What options do I have regarding this ticket?
You may pay the fine prior to your court date for any charge not listed as a mandatory appearance. If you choose not to appear in court, payment must be received by the Friday prior to your cout date. Prior payments are treated the same as a guilty plea. if you chose to plead nolo or Not Guilty you will have to come to court on your scheduled court date. A not Guilty plea will be reset for a trial court.
What forms of payment are accepted by the court?
Cash, Cashier's Checks or Money Order
What is a NoLo plea?
NoLo means No Contest. This plea means you are not pleading guilty or not guilty but simply accepting the charge and agreeing to the fine and sentence. The charge will be sent to the Department of Driver Services, and show on your driving record, but you will not receive points. You are allowed to enter a NoLo plea for each violation once every five (5) years. It is the discretion of the Judge to accept this plea.
Will a NoLo affect my insurance?
We do not report any violation to your insurance company. You insurance company has the right to review your driving record and can see that you were issued a citation. The NoLo plea does not keep the citation off your record; it only keeps points from being assessed. It's up to your insurance company as to how it affects your policy.
Can I change my court date?
You are allowed one continuance by the court office. This will usually extend your court date by approximately thirty (30) days. You must sign a reset form by the Friday prior to your original court date to obtain a continuance. You will then be required to either pay your fine by the Friday prior to the new court date or come to court on that date. Only the Judge can give additional continuances in court.
Can I speak to the Solicitor before my court date?
The Solicitor is only here during court sessions. He/She does not have an office at our court. We do not provide phone numbers for the Solicitor at his regular place of business. You may speak with the Solicitor on your court date. You may do so prior to entering a plea. When your name is called, reply "motion" and request to speak with the Solicitor.
Can I make payments on my fine?
For non-mandatory court appearance violations, we do not accept partial payments. If you are unable to pay the full amount, you will need to come to court and speak with the Judge. The Judge can elect to give you an extension to pay, put you on probation to make payments, or assess jail time.
What happens if I miss my court date and do not pay my fine?
Failure to pay your fine or to appear in court will result in an automatic late fee of $100.00 for the first missed court date. A letter will be sent to you stating the new fine amount and new court date. If you fail to pay your fine or to appear in court the second time, a Bench Warrant will be issued. This will result in a higher fine and a license suspension.
I am under 21 years of age, how does the ?Georgia Teenage Driver?s Responsibility Act? affect me?
If you are under 21 years of age and convicted of any one offense for which four (4) or more points are assessed, you drivers license will be suspended for a minimum of six (6) months. No work permits are available. If you are under eighteen (18) years of age and accumulate four (4) points in a 12 month period, your drivers license will be suspended for minimum of six (6) months.
Some common four point violations are:
? Exceeding the speed limit by 24 mph or more
? Improper passing on a hill or curve
? Unlawful passing of a school bus
? Aggressive driving
For additional information: www.dmvs.ga.gov
