By Pierce Blitch
A Critical Decision with Far-Reaching Implications
When you’re handed a traffic ticket in Augusta or Evans, Georgia, it’s natural to wonder if you should just pay the fine and move on, especially when you weren’t at fault. Many clients have approached us with this dilemma, uncertain of how to proceed. But when serious injuries are involved or your license could be suspended, the stakes are much higher, and the decision on how to handle your traffic ticket can have significant legal implications.
Understanding the Impact of Your Plea
Surprisingly, a police officer’s determination of fault at the accident scene or for a traffic violation doesn’t necessarily dictate the outcome of any related lawsuit or criminal proceeding. In fact, officers typically aren’t permitted to testify about the accident in civil lawsuits or criminal charges unless they witnessed the event or have undergone specific training in collision reconstruction at the Georgia Police Training Facility in Forsyth.
The Legal Consequences of Different Pleas
- Pleading Guilty: If you admit guilt by paying your ticket, this can be seen as an acknowledgment of fault. However, this doesn’t completely block you from claiming otherwise in a lawsuit (Miller v. Crumbley, 249 Ga.App. 403, 405, 548 S.E.2d 657, 659 (2001)).
- Failure to Appear: Not showing up in court and opting to pay the ticket by mail might also be interpreted as an admission of guilt, depending on how you complete the ticket form (Cannon v. Street, 220 Ga.App. 212, 214, 469 S.E.2d 343, 345 (1996)). Not showing up to Court can also suspend your driver’s license.
- Pleading Not Guilty and Paying: If you plead not guilty but decide to pay the ticket before returning to court, this will not be considered an admission (Waszczak v. City of Warner Robins, 221 Ga. App. 528, 529, 471 S.E.2d 572, 574 (1996)).
- Nolo Contendere: Entering a plea of ‘no contest’ doesn’t count as an admission of negligence or wrongdoing in any subsequent civil or criminal case.
- Court Verdict: Being found guilty in traffic court doesn’t equate to an admission and is irrelevant in a civil lawsuit.
Before Making Your Decision
If you’ve sustained serious injuries in a crash or charged with violating Georgia traffic laws, it’s wise to consult with a car accident attorney before resolving the traffic citation. This decision is more than just about handling a ticket; it’s about protecting your rights and future.
CALL THE Blitch Law Firm ATTORNEYS AT LAW TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR CASE
We fight for you, and we don’t back down. Every criminal charge holds potentially life-altering consequences. We don’t hold back on providing our clients the best possible criminal defense available. Nearly all the attorneys at The Blitch Law Firm are former Assistant District Attorneys, so our unique insight on how the prosecution approaches cases equips us with the ability to see the case from all sides. If you, a family member, or a close friend faces criminal charges, contact The Blitch Law Firm today at 706-434-8770 or visit us at 7004 Evans Town Center Blvd., Third Floor, Evans, Georgia 30809 to discuss your unique case and our creative defense strategies with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys.
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Categories: Criminal Defense, Traffic Violations, Personal Injury