(706) 278-2488 | 215 West Gordon Street Dalton, GA 30720

CALHOUN TRAFFIC OFFENSE LAWYER

Aggressive Traffic Offense Attorney Defending Gordon County

Attorney Ralph M. Hinman offers extensive experience with traffic offenses. In certain situations, even a ticket can result in serious consequences. For example, if you are under 21, or if you are a commercial driver, your license or commercial driving privileges may be suspended for certain offenses which would have no effect on a regular license.

Serious traffic offenses include driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident (hit & run), attempting to elude an officer, aggressive driving, and vehicular homicide. But even if the alleged traffic offense is minor, the consequences can be serious.

Georgia’s Move-Over Law

Throughout the United States, move-over laws were passed to help mitigate the growing number of police, first responders and Department of Transportation workers being injured and/or killed during traffic stops. The fine related to Georgia’s move-over law is $500 and is intended to grab the attention of the driver — in other words, to ensure that she or he move to the side of the road in the future.

“Joshua’s Law”

After Georgia passed “Joshua’s Law” in early 2007, each and every 16-year-old applying for a Class D driver’s license must complete an additional driver education course. She or he must also complete a total of 40 hours of supervised driving, six of which must occur at night. Keep in mind that any Georgia resident who has not completed an approved driver education course must wait until she or he is at least 17-years-old before being eligible for a Class D driver’s license.

Commercial Drivers & Serious Traffic Offenses

If you are the holder of a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and you drive an 18-wheel truck for a living, a clean record is precious. Mr. Hinman can often keep a traffic offense off your record. Different courts have different protocols for this. If you are a trucker, please call me. There is no fee for a phone consultation on a minor traffic offense.

Even if you don’t drive 18-wheel trucks for a living, keeping your record clean may be important to you. If you need to drive to work, or especially if your livelihood (e.g., sales) involves traveling, you may find yourself unable to make a living because you have lost your driver’s license.  If you drive a company car, your company may take it away because of your “bad” driving record.  Similarly, your company may declare you ineligible to rent cars.

Georgia’s Point System

Georgia has a “points system” for minor traffic offenses.  Fifteen points within two years will suspend your license.  Most moving violations are 3 points.  Some are less.  Some are more.  Some are as many as 6 points. Mr. Hinman may be able to negotiate a resolution which can avoid points on your record.

Drivers Under the Age of 21

If you are under age 21, a single traffic “4-point” conviction can revoke your license. Four-point violations include speeding 24 mph over or more, reckless driving, and certain other offenses. If you are under 18, two minor moving violations can also cause a revocation. Mr. Hinman may be able to avoid or limit the effect of such revocations.

Out-of-State Offenders

If you are licensed by a state other than Georgia, and you are convicted of a traffic offense in Georgia, both Georgia and the licensing state may suspend. The licensing state’s suspension laws may be more harsh than Georgia’s. Florida, North Carolina and Virginia, for example, have suspension rules which are of greater application and consequence than those in Georgia.

If you are licensed in another state, e.g., Tennessee, and you are convicted of a traffic offense in Georgia, Georgia will report it to Tennessee. Almost all states report traffic convictions to the licensing state. Additionally, some states, such as Florida, “import” prior driving histories. Thus, if you move from Georgia to Florida, your Georgia history will follow you.

Consult An Experienced Traffic Lawyer Now

There is nothing simple about traffic offenses in the state of Georgia. Whether your case involves the state’s move-over law, “super speeder” law, “Joshua’s Law,” or any one of the myriad offenses for which you may be stopped, speaking with a seasoned traffic offense attorney is crucial to protecting your rights and freedom.

Any of the aforementioned issues can be determined after a thorough review of your case with Mr. Hinman. If your case involves a serious offense, an in-person interview at the office is preferred. If the offense is relatively minor, the initial consultation can be done over the phone.

Ralph M. Hinman, Attorney at Law has been serving residents throughout Calhoun, Ringgold and Dalton for nearly four decades. If you or someone you love has recently been accused of committing a serious traffic offense, call (706) 278-2488 now.