Major traffic offenses in Georgia

Are you a Georgia driver? If so, it’s important to be mindful of some of the top three major traffic offenses as they can result in serious legal repercussions. Luckily, with the right information and an understanding of the consequences of these offenses, you can stay safe and avoid potential penalties. In this blog post, we will explore what we think are some of the top three major traffic offenses in Georgia and provide guidance on how to avoid them. This is our own opinion based on the kinds of cases we encounter that have the biggest impact on our client’s lives and driving record. We’ll also discuss what kinds of punishments or fines you may face if convicted for any of these offenses. Read on to learn more about navigating through your daily driving safely!

Overview of Three of Georgia’s Major Traffic Offenses

As a driver in Georgia, it is crucial to understand some of the state’s most severe traffic offenses. We see a lot of clients with these offenses or who have these offenses on their driving record from the past, and the consequences are far-reaching and extensive, which is why they made our top three list of major traffic offenses. They are: driving with a suspended license, driving under the influence (DUI), and hit and run.

Driving with a Suspended License

Driving with a suspended license is a major offense in Georgia. Usually, if you get pulled over by the police and they find out your license is suspended or revoked, or you are unlicensed, they will take you to jail. This is because Georgia does not tolerate unlicensed or suspended drivers. You must make sure your license is valid to drive before you hop behind the wheel of a car in Georgia. Your license could be suspended because you missed a traffic court date on another traffic offense, because you failed to pay your child support, or because you racked up too many points in a 24 months period. You can check online with Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) to see if you license is valid.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence is another offense that can put lives at risk and requires drivers to be vigilant of their own behaviors. In Georgia, this is another offense where the police will take you to jail after you are charged with a DUI. You can be DUI because of alcohol, whether you are over the legal limit or a DUI per se, meaning you are impaired by alcohol regardless of how much you had to the extent where it is less safe for you to drive. You can also be DUI because of drugs, whether illegal, or legal, if the legal drugs impair your ability to drive safely. Another DUI is for inhalants, which make you an impaired driver.

Hit and Run

Finally, hit and run incidents can result in significant property damage and injury to others. As a Georgia driver, if you are involved in an accident that results in injury to or death of any person, or in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by any person, you are required to immediately stop at the scene of the accident and do the following:

Give your hame and address and the registration number of the vehicle you are driving;
Upon request and if available, exhibit your driver’s license to the other party;
Render to any person injured in such accident reasonable assistance, including the transporting, or the making of arrangements for the transporting, of such person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that such treatment is necessary or if such transporting is requested by the injured person; and
Where a person injured in such accident is unconscious, appears deceased, or is otherwise unable to communicate, make every reasonable effort to ensure that emergency medical services and local law enforcement are contacted for the purpose of reporting the accident and making a request for assistance.

If you fail to do these things, and the police track you down, they will come to your work or residence with a warrant and take you into custody. You will have to post bond in order to get out, and then go to court later about the case.

It’s important to remember that all of these driving offenses can have long-term impacts on your record and potentially affect your ability to drive in the future. As a responsible driver, it’s important to prioritize your safety as well as the safety of others on the road by avoiding these three major traffic offenses at all costs.

Consequences of a Traffic Conviction in Georgia for One of Theses Three Major Traffic Offenses

Getting pulled over and convicted of one of these top three major traffic offense in Georgia can have serious consequences that impact your driving record and your wallet. A conviction of each of these three major traffic offenses results in the suspension of your driver’s license, and jail time of some sort. Some of them, such as a DUI, require a substance abuse evaluation and completion of a DDS Risk Reduction Course. They come with heavy fines and sometimes probation. You could also be required to do community service. Additionally, if you caused or were involved in an accident as a result of these charges, then you could also face a civil lawsuit, and have to pay damages or other non-criminal requirements. It’s important to understand the potential ramifications of these charges and to consider consulting with a legal professional to help protect your rights and minimize the impact of a traffic conviction on your life.

How to Avoid These Traffic Offenses in the Future

Driving is a serious responsibility that requires utmost care and attention. Whether you are a seasoned driver or new to the roads, you must know how to avoid traffic offenses that could lead to legal trouble, accidents, or worse, fatalities. To ensure that you remain compliant, it is essential to make sure that your license is valid at all times. Check your expiration date, renew your license on time, and abide by traffic regulations to prevent facing legal charges. Moreover, avoid getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. These impairments can not only affect your judgment but also endanger the lives of others. Lastly, if you are involved in an accident, be responsible and stop to provide your information and give help if needed. By following these simple tips, you can avoid traffic offenses and ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.

Wrap-up and Resources for Drivers in Georgia to Help Handle These Major Traffic Offenses

As a driver in Georgia, facing traffic offenses can be a daunting task. From DUI charges to suspended license citations, it’s essential to have the right resources to handle these issues effectively. Fortunately, there are several resources available to help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your rights are protected. It’s crucial to seek out an experienced attorney who can provide you with legal guidance tailored to your unique situation. Additionally, there are several organizations and online resources that can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a driver in Georgia. By utilizing these resources, you can take control of your situation and work towards the best possible outcome.

In Conclusion

In short, driving under the influence, hit and run and having a suspended license are three major traffic offenses in Georgia that all drivers must be aware of. Should you ever find yourself convicted of any one of these offenses, it’s important to know the costly consequences including fines and court costs and potentially losing your license. The best way to avoid having to deal with these penalties is by making sure your driver’s license remains valid, abstaining from drinking or doing drugs before getting behind the wheel, and properly stopping after an accident. Should you need more help understanding how to handle a conviction for any of these offenses there are many available resources online and talking to a local traffic ticket trial attorney will help as well. It is up to us as drivers to ensure we follow the rules of the road to stay safe while protecting our rights as drivers in Georgia.