What You Should Know Before Your Traffic Court Date at Marietta Municipal Court

Going to court for a traffic violation can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you don’t know what to expect or understand the possible consequences. If an officer issued you a traffic ticket in the Marietta, Georgia area, you could face far-reaching repercussions. Though the penalties will depend on multiple factors, including your age, driving history, and the severity of the offense.

Possible offenses that might land you in traffic court at Marietta Municipal Court include:

Any of these traffic violations could result in thousands of dollars in fines, increased insurance rates, license suspension, and even jail time.

But sometimes, there are options available to help you resolve your traffic violation ticket with minimal consequences.

For example, in every municipal court in Georgia, drivers have the right to transfer traffic cases up to the higher county court if they are unable to come to an agreement in the lower court.

Because the Marietta Municipal Court is located in Cobb County, cases that are not resolved there are transferred out of the traffic court to the Cobb County State Court.

Should I Enter a Nolo Plea for My Traffic Violation?

You should also be aware of your plea options before you enter the courtroom. Making an uninformed decision at this point could be costly.

Understandably, most drivers focus simply on avoiding a guilty plea. But, once they arrive in court, they learn about the possibility of pleading “nolo” or “no contest.” With this plea, you do not accept or deny responsibility but, you agree to the punishment.

It sounds like a fantastic compromise because it keeps points off your driving record. And many drivers believe this will keep insurance rates down. Unfortunately, a nolo or “no contest” plea will be very visible on your driving record and your insurance company will likely respond when they see it on your record.

Additionally, nolo can only be used once in five years – and it can prove valuable in limited situations. So be careful not to waste your nolo plea on cases where it is not helpful!

Is it Worth it to Hire a Lawyer for a Traffic Ticket?

The court expects you to make several important decisions when you arrive to resolve a traffic violation. And while hiring an attorney is not required, having a legal representative who regularly practices in Marietta Municipal Court can be incredibly beneficial.

If you need help understanding the decisions involved in your case and the possible consequences of a traffic violation, you can schedule a free consultation to speak to an attorney today.