Traffic Ticket Plea
Victory in a court case doesn’t necessarily imply an outright dismissal or a verdict of “not guilty.” When it comes to contesting a traffic ticket, you may think of winning your case as being able to walk away without paying a dime. However, if the odds are against you, the best possible outcome may be to negotiate a plea deal to reduce the inevitable penalties.
A plea in abeyance is an example of such an arrangement. Here’s what you need to know about offering a plea of abeyance for a traffic citation and how to get an experienced lawyer to help you keep your driving record clear.
What Is a Plea of Abeyance?
When a defendant enters a plea of abeyance, they are essentially creating
a legal agreement with the state that the court will not convict them or impose
a penalty at that time in return for a no-contest or guilty plea. Instead, the
conviction and sentencing are put “in abeyance,” or on hold, for a set amount of time.
This period of time can be predetermined, or it can be dependent upon the defendant’s completion of certain court-ordered requirements, such as paying a fine, attending a traffic school, or performing community service. At the end of the time period, assuming that the defendant has not been charged with any other traffic infractions or crimes, the case will typically be dismissed.
Pros and Cons of Offering a Plea of Abeyance
The clear benefit of offering a plea of abeyance for your traffic ticket is the ability to have the ticket dismissed eventually, without adding points to your license or increasing your insurance rates.
However, you may not be able to offer a plea of abeyance. Prosecutors often consider this type of plea bargain a “favor” to the defendant and may only offer it to those who do not have a criminal history or previous traffic violations. If you fail to meet your end of the agreement, your plea will generally be dropped and you will be sentenced according to the crime you pleaded no contest or guilty to.
Get Help Today From an Atlanta Traffic Ticket Attorney
Fighting a traffic ticket isn’t always cut and dry, and you may have to make some concessions if there’s a lot of evidence against you. Get help from an experienced Georgia traffic ticket lawyer by calling The Kimbrel Law Firm at (770) 349-9219.