Receiving a traffic citation can leave you unsure about what will happen once you walk into court. Understanding the basic process beforehand can help you follow the proceedings more easily while preparing for the decisions that may arise during your hearing.
Here is what to expect from the time you arrive until the court determines the next step in your case.
Checking in and waiting for your case
Your first step involves checking in and waiting for the court to call your case. Review your citation for the court date and location, then arrive early and go to the assigned courtroom. Doing so gives you time to check in, locate your assigned courtroom and determine where you should wait before the court begins calling cases.
You may spend some time waiting before the court calls your case. Follow the courtroom’s instructions and pay attention so you know when to approach the judge.
Addressing the traffic citation
When the court calls your case, Georgia law generally gives you three plea options:
- Guilty: You accept the charge and the court can impose the applicable fine and penalties.
- Not guilty: You dispute the charge and can request a trial.
- Nolo contendere: You enter a no-contest plea, which has specific legal and driving-record implications.
Georgia law allows courts to handle many traffic offenses through the citation itself without requiring an indictment or separate accusation. The court must also report the final disposition to the Georgia Department of Driver Services in applicable cases.
Resolving the case or setting a trial
The court will either resolve the case during the hearing or schedule another date for trial. A guilty or no-contest plea can resolve the matter during the hearing. Meanwhile, a not-guilty plea generally leads to a later proceeding in which the court considers the evidence before determining the outcome.
If the court finds you guilty, the conviction gets reported to the Georgia Department of Driver Services and applicable points can go onto your driving record. If you dispute the citation, the court will provide instructions for the next stage of your case.
Prepare for what comes next
Knowing what to expect when you appear in traffic court can help you follow the proceedings and understand the decisions you may need to make when your case is called. If you have concerns about your situation or entering a plea, consider reviewing the circumstances with an attorney. This can help you understand how the citation could affect your driving record or license and what options you may have.