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The Kimbrel Law Firm specializes in fighting traffic tickets and related violations. We have a 99% success rate. Our attorneys attend traffic court regularly throughout metro Atlanta.

Areas of Practice

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SPEEDING / SUPER
SPEEDER TICKETS
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RECKLESS
DRIVING TICKETS
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SUSPENDED
LICENSE VIOLATIONS
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FAILURE TO APPEAR
IN TRAFFIC COURT

ABOUT THE KIMBREL
LAW FIRM

CLAYTON KIMBREL

CLAYTON KIMBREL, ESQ

Clayton Kimbrel is a graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and is licensed to try cases in the Georgia Court of Appeals and the Georgia Supreme Court.

Clayton also participated in an externship in the Clerks’s office at the Superior Court of Guam. While under Judge Arthur Barcinas, Clayton penned an order regarding voluntary dismissal and the filing of amended complaints, which became law in Guam. Clayton moved into the world of private practice after performing real estate closings on refinances for a local real estate firm.

Clayton is a tireless advocate for his clients. He gives each client his undivided attention and prepares thoroughly for each case. In addition to traffic ticket defense cases, Clayton also handles personal injury matters.

LAURA JAMES

LAURA JAMES, CPCU, ESQ

Laura James received her Bachelor’s Degree in in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1996. Laura is a graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, where she graduated in the top 10% of her law school class. Laura received the Atlanta Bar Association Labor and Employment Law Section Student Scholar Award as well as the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in both Employment Law and Consumer Law.

Laura was admitted to the Georgia State Bar and sworn in to the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Georgia in 2012. Laura is an experienced negotiator and uses her experience to obtain fair settlements on behalf of her clients. Laura represents people charged with traffic violations in courtrooms throughout the metro Atlanta area.

Prior to attending law school, Laura worked in the property and casualty insurance industry for 10 years. During this time, Laura earned the prestigious CPCU designation.

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GA lawyer for help with speeding tickets Have you recently received a traffic ticket?

You need legal help sooner rather than later. Don’t blow off your ticket. Don’t pay your ticket without getting advice first. The consequences may haunt you for years.

When you’re pulled over by the police or when you have received a traffic ticket, it’s tempting to simply pay off the ticket and move on with your life.

This can be a big mistake. Retaining an Atlanta traffic ticket lawyer is strongly recommended.

If you’ve recently received a traffic ticket in Fulton County or Atlanta or elsewhere in Georgia, get help immediately.

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Know Where Your Driving Record Stands Before You Take Action

Your initial reaction may be to pay the ticket, admit your guilt, and move on. Do you know the current status of your driving record, though? You may have already accumulated enough points on your driving record. If you’re close to fifteen points, pleading “nolo” on a new charge that pushes you over the limit could lead to a suspended license shortly after your court date.

In addition, your insurance company is not so much concerned with the points on your record as the actual driving offenses. Your insurance company will also treat your “nolo” pleas the same as a guilty plea, meaning they may hike your rates for even just a few points on your driving record.

This is why you need to know what’s currently on your record. Knowing where you stand can help you make an informed decision if you’re facing new traffic violations.

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Running Through a Red Light

Lawyer for help with traffic violations in Georgia. If you try to speed through a yellow light, you could be facing a traffic ticket for running a red light.

It can be difficult to dispute any situation in Fulton County or Atlanta in which you are accused of running a red light with a red light camera.

If I Still Have to Pay My Fine, Why Do I Need to Hire an Attorney?

Traffic Ticket Lawyer. There are many legal issues associated with a traffic ticket. Your attorney may help you identify these. The citation might have a mistake on it and simply paying it could cost you in the long run.

  • Atlanta Traffic Ticket Lawyer
  • Pleading Nolo Contendere for a
    Georgia Traffic Violation
  • Most Common Traffic Ticket
    Violations in Georgia
  • Driving with a Suspended License
  • Reckless Driving
  • Failing to Stop at a Stop Sign
  • Running Through a Red Light
  • Failing to Signal a Traffic Lane Change or Signal a Turn Change
  • Open Container While Driving
  • Improper Passing on a Curve or a Hill
  • Aggressive Driving
  • Should I just Pay My Atlanta Traffic Ticket and Avoid the Trouble?
  • If I Still Have to Pay My Fine, Why Do I Need to Hire an Attorney?
  • What If I Fail to Appear in Court for a Traffic Charge?
  • Does it Ever Make Sense to Transfer Cases to Higher Court?
  • What You Should Know About Habitual Violator Allegations and Felony Charges
  • You Can’t Afford to Just Pay It

You do not have to meet with us at our office. We handle most clients’ ticket issues over the phone. And in many cases, you do not have to appear in court.

Give us a call today!
(770) 349-9219

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3355 Lenox Rd NE,
Suite 1000 Unit 32
Atlanta, GA 30326
(770) 349-9219
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Archive for category: Traffic Tickets

You are here: Home / BLOG / Traffic Tickets

How to Fight an Automatic Red Light Ticket

In Atlanta, many intersections have cameras programmed to take photographs when the light turns red. This allows the cameras to catch drivers running red lights without the need for law enforcement presence. The camera photographs the individual’s license plate and generates a ticket. Then, a ticket is mailed to the driver. If you received an automatic red light ticket, here’s how to fight it with the help of a seasoned lawyer.

Challenge Photo Clarity

Automatic traffic cameras don’t necessarily capture the best photographs. Often, they are dark and grainy, making it difficult to see the license plate number, or even the make and model of the car. This is especially true because the central point of the photograph — the vehicle — is in motion.

The first thing to establish is that you are the driver of the vehicle in the photograph. If it is difficult to recognize you beyond a shadow of a doubt and they can’t prove it’s you, it’s likely that a judge will have to dismiss the ticket.

Challenge the Authentication of the Photo

Another defense would be to challenge the validity of the photo. Sometimes during traffic hearings, a representative from the camera manufacturer is available to report that the camera was working properly at the time the photo was captured. However, if no representative from the camera company is available to authenticate the photo, you could have the photo struck from your file. In these cases, the photo is generally the only evidence available. Therefore, it may be possible for your case to be dismissed.

Challenge Your Actions

In some cases, you may erroneously receive an automatic red light ticket. For example, if you made a legal right turn at a red light, you may challenge that you didn’t break any laws and therefore should not have received the ticket.

Don’t let an automatic red light ticket add points to your license and increase your risk of a license suspension. Contact an Atlanta traffic ticket lawyer today for help. Call the Kimbrel Law Firm now at 770-349-9219.

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How Can I Get Out of Speeding with a Warning?

Five Things That May Help You Get A Warning Rather Than A Traffic Ticket

 

If you’re stopped for speeding, you may be given a warning instead of a ticket. Can you increase the chances of that happening? Here’s what might help. 

1. Be Polite 

 

No one likes to be pulled over, but a bad attitude isn’t going to put the officer on your good side. Be polite to the officer and use a low, calm tone of voice. 

2. Do Not Admit to Speeding 

 

Usually, the officer who pulled you over will ask if you know why they did. Do not admit to speeding or any other driving violation. You may be tempted to say, “I was just going a little bit faster than the speed limit,” but this essentially hands the officer your case on a silver platter. Instead, tell the officer you don’t know. 

 

You truly don’t — even if you were speeding, the officer may have pulled you over for a broken taillight or for another reason. Let the officer tell you why they stopped your vehicle. 

3. Have Your Driver’s License and Insurance Card Ready 

 

Police officers stop cars for traffic violations all day, and few enjoy standing on the side of a busy road while you hunt for your ID and proof of insurance. Secure these items in a safe and easily accessible place in your vehicle in case you do get stopped. Let the police officer know where the items are located and ask for permission to retrieve them from that location when the officer asks you to produce them. 

4. Ask 

 

There’s no harm in simply asking the officer to give you a break, especially if you’re not a habitual offender. The worst that the officer will do is say no and write you a ticket anyway, which was likely to happen anyway. If you’re truly running late or dealing with an emergency, let the officer know, but don’t expect them to have an emotional response. Remain calm, even if the officer does not seem to mind that you’re having a difficult time. 

Got a Speeding Ticket? You Need an Atlanta Traffic Ticket Lawyer 

 

If you were stopped for speeding and given a ticket in spite of your best efforts to be let off with a warning, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. If you simply pay the ticket, this is considered entering a “guilty” plea, which will assess points to your license. If you accumulate too many points within a certain period of time, you’re at risk of losing your driving privileges.  

 

Contact me today for a consultation to learn more about fighting a speeding ticket by calling (770) 349-9219.

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What Are the Worst Traffic Tickets in Atlanta?

No one wants to get saddled with a traffic ticket, but not all tickets are created equal. Some tickets are just plain worse than others in terms of consequences, fines, and points against your license. Here’s a rundown of the worst traffic tickets to get in Atlanta and what to do if you’re pegged for any of these traffic offenses.

Atlanta DUI’s

In Georgia, a DUI ticket will raise your insurance premiums a whopping $812 — just over a 66% increase on the state average.

Speeding

Georgia is one of the strictest states in the nation when it comes to speeding. The max fine for a speeding ticket is $2,000, which is less than only two other states — Virginia and Illinois speeding fines cap out at $2,500. Georgia has Super Speeder laws that tack on an additional $200 to the fine of anyone driving over 75 mph on a two-lane road and anyone driving over 85 mph on a highway or other road.

Aggressive Driving

If you are stopped for aggressive driving, you could incur 6 points against your license in one fell swoop. If you get 15 or more points in a 24-month period, your driver’s license will be suspended. It doesn’t take many 6-point offenses to reach 15, so it’s critical to address a ticket for aggressive driving in court versus just paying the fine.

Unlawful Passing of a School Bus

The unlawful passing of a school bus in Georgia will earn you six points against your driver’s license and a hefty fine. If it’s your first offense, the fine is $300. Second offense fines are $750 and third offense fines are $1,000.

It’s possible that an Atlanta police officer would ticket you for aggressive driving and unlawful passing of a school bus, earning you 12 points against your license. If you were also speeding at the time, your license will be suspended, all arising from a single incident.

Contact the Kimbrel Law Firm Today

Many people make the mistake of thinking they can make a ticket go away by paying it. This certainly isn’t the case; by paying the fine, you’re pleading guilty to the offense — and accepting whatever consequences go with it. Before paying any traffic ticket you’ve been issued, you should consult with an experienced Atlanta traffic ticket attorney. It may be in your best interest to fight the ticket, especially if you already have points against your license.

For more information, call Atlanta Traffic Ticket Lawyer Kimbrel today for a consultation at (770) 349-9219.

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How Can I Fight a Failure to Yield Ticket?

If you’ve been ticketed for failure to yield, your first instinct may be to pay the ticket.

After all, it’s the fastest way to put the matter behind you and move forward with it. However, every ticket you get accumulates points against your driver’s license in Georgia and if you accumulate a certain number of points in a specific time period, your license may be suspended.

If you fight the ticket, you may be able to have it dismissed without paying any fees or getting points against your license. If you’ve gotten tickets before and this is the one that would “tip the bucket,” so to speak, it’s even more important to defend yourself. Here’s what you need to know about fighting a failure to yield ticket.

Common Defenses for Failure to Yield in Atlanta

Here are some common defenses for a failure to yield ticket:

  • Poor visibility. If there was dense fog or the sun was in your eyes and you could not see the vehicle or sign you were supposed to yield to, you may be able to use this as a defense. The conditions causing poor visibility typically must have been out of your control.
  • An emergency situation. If you were in an emergency situation, such as driving someone who was injured or having a baby to the hospital, and you didn’t yield, you may be able to have the ticket dismissed. While urgent situations may not qualify, true emergencies likely will.
  • You could not estimate the speed of the other vehicle. If for some reason you were unable to estimate the speed of the vehicle you were supposed to yield to and believed you had more time before the vehicle approached, you may be able to use this defense.
  • Video evidence shows you yielding. If you were in an area where security cameras were present, such as traffic cams or even cameras on the outside of businesses, you may be able to secure the footage to show that you did, in fact, yield.

When to Contact an Atlanta Traffic Ticket Lawyer

Don’t make the mistake of believing a traffic ticket is no big deal. If you pay the ticket, you are automatically pleading guilty and not contesting the points against your license.

Protect your driving privileges and avoid a costly fee by fighting failure to yield tickets. The Kimbrel Law Firm can help. Call us now for a consultation at (770) 349-9219.

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How to Fight a Radar Speeding Ticket in Atlanta

Police officers use radar and laser equipment to determine how fast a vehicle is going.

If the radar equipment indicates that a driver is going above the posted speed limit, the officer usually stops the driver and issues them a ticket. Many drivers assume that if a police officer stops them for speeding, they might as well pay the ticket and move on with their life. However, paying a ticket assumes guilt, which is not likely to be in your best interest. Here’s how to fight a radar speeding ticket in Atlanta.

Was the Officer Properly Trained to Use the Equipment?

All officers should be adequately trained to use radar equipment before handling it. However, this is unfortunately not always the case. Overwhelmed officers and a lack of numbers may mean that a newbie officer isn’t trained well enough on how to operate, calibrate, and maintain the equipment.  

If the officer did not complete the required training to use the radar or laser equipment, it may be possible to have your case dismissed entirely on the basis that it’s impossible for the reading to be accurate if the officer was not trained to operate the equipment.

Did the Police Officer Keep Their Equipment Properly Calibrated?

Manufacturers of radar or laser equipment issue instructions on how to properly calibrate it to ensure the accuracy of readings. These instructions usually include how to calibrate it as well as how often. Radar and laser equipment that isn’t calibrated according to the manufacturer’s instructions cannot be verified to be accurate.

Busy law enforcement offices may not calibrate their equipment as often as they should or according to specifications, and one of the first things your traffic ticket attorney will do is ask for the equipment records or logs. If the equipment was not calibrated or maintained properly, this may also result in your case being dismissed.

Don’t Accumulate Points on Your Driver’s License

In Georgia, each ticketable offense is worth a number of “points” that go against your driver’s license. After accumulating a number of points in a specific time period, you’ll have your license suspended. A suspended license can seriously impact your work, social life, and relationships.

Contact an Atlanta Traffic Ticket Lawyer Today

If you’ve been issued a speeding ticket in Atlanta, consult with an attorney before you pay. At the Kimbrel Law Firm, we can help mount a solid defense against radar speeding tickets. Contact us today for a consultation by calling 770-349-9219.

 

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