Speeding Tickets in Georgia

If you've ever been stopped for speeding on the highways and byways of Georgia, then you know how important it is to understand the consequences that come with receiving a ticket. It's not enough just to pay your fine or take defensive driving courses; in almost all cases, points will be added to your license as a result of being issued a traffic violation—and this can have long-term impacts on your ability to keep insurance costs low and maintain positive credit ratings. What's worse, if these tickets stack up too high in too short of time period, they may lead to driver’s license suspension or other forms of severe penalties. Fortunately, having an experienced lawyer at your side during this process means that the situation doesn't need to spiral out of control! In this blog post we'll cover everything you need to know about getting hit with speeding tickets in Georgia so that you're better prepared when facing potential consequences for such violations.

Overview of Georgia's Speeding Law and Points System

If you live in Georgia, understanding the state's laws regarding speeding is an important part of staying safe and avoiding expensive tickets.

Speeding tickets in Georgia are considered misdemeanors, and convictions come with a fine of up to $1,000 and jail time up to 12 months. You could also have to do community service or take a defensive driving course. The exact penalties will depend on the severity of the circumstances surrounding your traffic ticket case - why you were speeding, how fast you were speeding, if an accident happened, etc.

Under Georgia's system, a person who is caught and convicted of driving over the speed limit will also incur points on their license. These can range in severity depending on how much over the limit you were going, and can quickly accumulate if multiple tickets are received within a certain time period. This can lead to significant consequences - such as suspension or even revocation of your license - that could greatly interfere with your daily life.

The following points will be added to your license if you are found guilty of exceeding the speed limit by a certain amount, measured in miles per hour (mph):

14 mph over or less = 0 points
15 mph to 18 mph over = 2 points
19 mph to 23 mph over = 3 points
24 mph to 33 mph over = 4 points
34 mph or more over = 6 points

For those who are facing a speeding-related offense, an experienced lawyer can help build an effective defense to minimize any associated penalties or fines.

Consequences of Having Too Many Points on Your License

If you've amassed too many points on your license from speeding tickets, then the consequences can be quite severe. In Georgia, if you get 15 or more points on your record within a 24 month period, then your license will be administratively suspended. You won't be able to get it back unless you pay $200 to reinstate the license and take a defensive driving course. Thankfully, you can get a limited driving permit to be able to go to work, school, and doctor's appointments, but you will be limited in where and how you can drive until your full driver's license privileges are reinstated.

How Hiring a Lawyer Can Help You with a Speeding Ticket in Georgia

A speeding ticket can have serious consequences in Georgia, including the accumulation of points on your driver's license and expensive fines - and even potentially jail time. Although these penalties can be difficult to avoid on your own, getting legal help can make it easier to handle a speeding ticket. An experienced attorney will know how to successfully oppose the charge or negotiate a lesser penalty from the court. In some cases, with their assistance you may even be able to avoid having points put on your driving record altogether. Hiring an attorney may seem overwhelming, but enlisting the help of a knowledgeable lawyer can provide you with a realistic and well-informed result for your situation.

What to Expect If You Go to Court for a Speeding Ticket

If you go to court for a speeding ticket in Georgia, you should expect consequences. Depending on the speed you were driving, you can receive 2 to 6 points on your license, risking suspension if you accumulate too many. You will also be fined and you may have your automotive insurance premiums increased. In some circumstances, jail time is even an option. But if you are lucky enough to have an experienced lawyer by your side, they could potentially help your case by negotiating with the prosecutor and offering helpful arguments that could lessen the severity of any penalties.

Strategies to Mitigate Damage from Excessive Speeding Tickets

If you're cited for excessive speeding, an experienced lawyer can help you identify strategies to mitigate the damage they may cause. A lack of representation in these matters carries the risk of steeper penalties, so it's wise to at least consult a lawyer before deciding what to do about your ticket. An attorney who's familiar with traffic laws and who works often in the courthouse where your ticket is pending can work with you to create a plan that gives you the best chance of avoiding or reducing consequences from repeated speeding charges. Even if points have already been assessed against your license, reaching out for assistance sooner rather than later may enable legal measures that could save you from incurring additional expense and repercussions.

Have a Lawyer on Your Side

All in all, speeding is no trivial offense and can result in major consequences for Georgia drivers. If you’ve received a speeding ticket or multiple tickets, it’s wise to consider your options thoughtfully including seeking legal assistance from an experienced lawyer who can evaluate the circumstances of your case. A knowledgeable lawyer may help you mitigate the damage associated with receiving points on your license, particularly if your excessive speeding citations remain unresolved. So don’t delay in finding legal representation capable of making sound decisions that work in your favor—the outcome of the case and subsequent impacts to insurance premiums depend upon it! Remember: when it comes to being charged with a speeding ticket in Georgia, having an ally that knows their way around the court system could help you get your life back on track sooner than expected.