There are several different possible outcomes in a traffic court case. The specifics of what happens in your case are difficult to assess ahead of time, however, there are a handful of basic outcomes that you can anticipate and prepare for. Here’s what you need to know about what to expect in traffic court.

What Happens If You Go to Trial

Many, if not most people pay their ticket and move on with their lives. When someone doesn’t, it goes against the grain of what court officials have come to expect. If you go to trial, you risk frustrating the judge and the city attorney because you didn’t simply pay the ticket.

However, it’s important to remember that paying a ticket is the same as automatically pleading guilty; the points will still be assigned to your license and the infraction will still show up on your driving record. It may be better for you to go ahead and assume the risk to fight the ticket, e.g. if your license will be suspended after a conviction.

What Happens When the Officer Doesn’t Show

It’s not uncommon for law enforcement officers to be missing in action for traffic court. If the officer is on vacation or ill, the case may be rescheduled for another date and time. This is unfortunate, because most people have to take time off work or hire a babysitter to get the time to appear in court.

In some cases, the traffic ticket may be dismissed if the officer isn’t present at court, but this is usually only in situations where the fine is minimal. Any cases that have hefty fines will most likely be moved to another day.

What Happens When You Have a Good Defense

When you have a solid defense, the chances of a successful outcome increase significantly. The ultimate goal is to receive a not guilty verdict, and this is entirely possible with enough evidence to support your innocence.

If, for example, you were cited for driving under the influence of alcohol but can prove that you were not intoxicated at the time you were arrested, the charges against you are more likely to be dismissed.

Contact the Kimbrel Law Firm Today

If you’ve been cited for a traffic offense, going to court may be in your best interest. Contact the Kimbrel Law Firm today to learn more about fighting Georgia traffic tickets at (770) 349-9219.