At What Point Does Your License Get Suspended?
Certain traffic violations will result in points against your license. Once you accumulate 15 points in Georgia, your driver’s license will be suspended. Losing your driving privileges will make getting to work, bringing your kids to school, and performing other routine tasks challenging. You may be forced to take a lesser-paying position within walking distance of your residence to make ends meet.
Aside from losing your license, depending on the severity of the offense, you could lose custody rights or be unable to renew professional licensure, preventing you from working in your chosen field. Fighting the charges against you is key to maintaining your freedom and avoiding these collateral consequences.
At Banks, Stubbs, & McFarland, our legal professionals are dedicated to looking out for your well-being and that of your family. If you have recently been convicted of a traffic violation in The Peach State, our Cumming criminal defense lawyers will take the necessary steps to restore your driving privileges.
What are Points on a Driver’s License?
Each state assigns points to your license for certain traffic violations. When you accumulate a certain number of points (in Georgia, 15 points if you are at least 18 years old), your license will be suspended for one year.
Traffic violations that result in points getting assigned to your license in Georgia encompass:
- Child endangerment DUI
- Driving without insurance
- Improper passing
- Failure to obey the person directing traffic
- Reckless driving
- Failure to yield to oncoming traffic
- Speeding in a work zone
- Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle
- Unlawful passing of school bus
- Failure to report an accident (“hit-and-run”)
How Does the Georgia Points System Work?
The Georgia Department of Driver Services assigns a certain number of points to a motorist’s license based on the severity of the offense. Traffic violation points range from two to six points. Points are only assigned once you have received a conviction. If a motorist accumulates 15 points in a 24-month period, his or her license will be suspended for one year.
However, certain offense convictions may automatically result in license suspension, regardless of how many points are assigned to your license. A driver younger than 21 will have his or her license suspended if convicted of a violation worth four or more points. A driver younger than 18 will have his or her license suspended for six months if the individual accumulates four or more points within a consecutive 12 months.
How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me?
Having a run-in with the law can be terrifying, but restoring your driving privileges is possible. Georgia allows drivers to reduce up to seven points against their license every five years. To qualify for this point reduction, you must complete a certified defense driving course and show a certificate of completion.
If you have been arrested or charged for a violation, you will want to speak with our Cumming criminal defense attorneys to discuss your options. Hiring experienced legal representatives will give you the best chance of being acquitted or potentially pleading to lesser charges. While you may feel consumed by fear, do not miss your opportunity to protect your rights.
Facing License Revocation? Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Cumming Today
Being convicted for a traffic violation in Georgia can result in revoking your license, with many offenses accompanied by jail time and steep fines. If you have recently been charged with a traffic violation, your first line of defense should be speaking with the Cumming criminal defense lawyers at Banks, Stubbs, & McFarland. Do not leave your future to chance. To arrange your consultation or learn more about our services, contact us online or call (770) 887-1209 today.