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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
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    3

    Default Improper Lane Change - Court Appearance

    My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: Georgia

    I got into an accident a few weeks ago on the Atlanta highway and was cited for improper lane change. No one was injured but I have to appear in court. My citation number wouldn't process currently online and it took several days of phone calls to figure out my court date. The time was one I absolutely couldn't make - since it was during a college exam that my professor would not change. So, I mailed in a letter asking for a date change.
    Well, a few days ago, my letter came back to me. I'm not sure what happened in the mail. Unfortunately, it came back to me the day before my scheduled court appearance (October 28). I've found out that I now have to show up at court before 8:00am and pay $100 just to be seen in front of the judge. I have a few questions:

    - Will there already be a warrant out for my arrest? I'm not sure if I'm allowed to drive or not to court.
    - I've since lost my citation slip. What should I do?
    - Is there any way to dispute that $100 no-show charge?
    - Should I plead guilty or no contest? I'm not sure which is the safer best.

    Thank you so much! This is my first ever traffic ticket or any type of auto accident, and I'm extremely worried about my court appearance.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
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    LA LA Land
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    9,170

    Default Re: Improper Lane Change - Court Appearance

    Not so much a definitive list of answers, This is more what I "think" than it is what I "know... Hope it helps a bit...
    Quote Quoting LisaCohen
    View Post
    - Will there already be a warrant out for my arrest?
    Its possible, however, the warrant should be recalled once you make your appearance before the judge. Some may say you will be arrested on the spot, however, since you are in court to have the matter adjudicated, I highly doubt that will happen.

    Quote Quoting LisaCohen
    View Post
    I'm not sure if I'm allowed to drive or not to court.
    I would play it safe and not drive if I were you.

    Quote Quoting LisaCohen
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    I've since lost my citation slip. What should I do?
    You should be able to get one from the court clerk for a nominal fee for copying services.

    Quote Quoting LisaCohen
    View Post
    Is there any way to dispute that $100 no-show charge?
    Probably not, some states do add "court costs" to the underlying fine if you choose to contest your ticket or appear before the judge. Moreover, if it is (commonly) referred to as a "no-show" fee and unless you can somehow convince the judge that you had no other way to request an extension, I would assume you will have to pay it.

    Quote Quoting LisaCohen
    View Post
    Should I plead guilty or no contest? I'm not sure which is the safer best.
    Since this citation was issued as a result of a traffic accident, your safest bet would be to plead "no contest". That way your plea cannot be used against you if a civil suit were to follow due to the accident.

    Good luck!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Improper Lane Change - Court Appearance

    Thanks so much for your opinions! It's nice to know. Of course, now I can't fall asleep because I'm freaking out about possibly being arrested.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    LA LA Land
    Posts
    9,170

    Default Re: Improper Lane Change - Court Appearance

    Quote Quoting LisaCohen
    View Post
    Thanks so much for your opinions! It's nice to know. Of course, now I can't fall asleep because I'm freaking out about possibly being arrested.
    I'm so sorry... That's easily solved though... Just take your checkbook (or preferably, enough cash) with you and if they do arrest you (which I highly doubt), you can just post bail (which is normally equal to the fine amount). You did say you are pleading "no contest" anyways...

    So you post bail, you see the judge, you enter your plea, they apply the bail you posted towards the fine, you turn around and walk out.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Improper Lane Change - Court Appearance

    Oh ok...I see. That sounds MUCH less scary than how I imagine it would be. The word "arrested" had me picturing myself spending several hours in a jail cell. Eeks! Thanks so much again!!

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