Experienced Savannah Traffic Lawyer
Easygoing in the Office and Aggressive in the Trial Room. Serving Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, Bulloch, McIntosh Counties.
At The Ozer Law Firm, LLC, we strike a unique balance between easygoing communication with clients and aggressive advocacy in the courtroom. You can trust that we have your best interests in mind as we defend you against your accusations, especially when the stakes are so high. Traffic violations could lead to temporary or permanent license suspension, as well as fines and some time in jail. Don’t give in to a traffic ticket when you can fight it.
Some common traffic violations our firm can defend against include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- DUI
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Failing to stop at a red light
Contact The Ozer Law Firm, LLC to get started on your traffic defense today.
Speeding in Georgia
Georgia traffic law identifies two basic categories of speeding – “too fast for conditions” and speeding below minimum or above maximum limits. In the former case, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-180 states that no person shall drive at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions with regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing. In short, the driver operated unsafely based on the conditions.
Examples of “too fast for conditions” violations might be if a slower speed than usual is required for approaching and crossing an intersection or railroad grade crossing, going around a curve, overcoming a hill, traveling a narrow or winding roadway, or in unsafe weather conditions.
Note that for a driver to be charged with driving too fast for conditions, the law enforcement officer must identify the conditions that caused the need for a lower speed and an estimate of the speed of the vehicle. Such a charge does not carry driver’s license points, however.
If a driver is charged with more conventional speeding violations (driving beyond the maximum speed limits), they will face points on their license depending on the speed:
- 15-19 mph over the limit – 2 points
- 19-24 mph over the limit – 3 points
- 24-34 mph over the limit – 4 points
- 34 mph or more – 6 points
Drivers will also receive speeding tickets to pay, which similarly depend on how fast they were driving beyond the limit:
- 5-10 mph – $25
- 10-14 mph – $100
- 14-19 mph – $125
- 19-24 mph – $150
- 24-34 mph – $500
Be aware that Georgia also has a “Super Speeder Law” that pertains to those speeding at 75 mph or more on a two-lane road or 85 mph or more on any road. The penalties include a $200 fine and possible license suspension if the offender does not make the payment within 120 days of the notice.
Reckless Driving
Another common traffic violation is reckless driving, which is also often associated with speeding. Under O.C.G.A. §40-6-350, reckless driving occurs when an individual drives any vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property. This might be if they weave through traffic, speed excessively, run red lights or stop signs, and fail to yield at a right of way.
Reckless driving is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and up to 1 year in jail, as well as possible community service and completion of a drug and alcohol evaluation. An offender may also incur 4 points on their license and even license suspension. If the driver is under the age of 21, their license will automatically be suspended.
Drivers convicted of DUI often seek to reduce their sentence to a reckless driving charge. Defendants may successfully receive such an outcome if prosecutors cannot prove that the dangerous driving was due to the driver being under the influence. Having a reckless driving charge instead of a DUI charge can help avoid license suspension and a criminal record.
These are only a few examples of traffic violations that The Ozer Law Firm, LLC handles. If you are facing a traffic-related charge, do not hesitate to contact our firm to discuss your legal options today. We will build a strong defense for you and fight aggressively to protect your rights as a driver.
Schedule a free consultation with The Ozer Law Firm, LLC to learn more about how we can help.
