We all know that sometimes, driving can be incredibly frustrating in Georgia. Often, these frustrations are totally understandable due to the reckless or inattentive actions of others. After all, it is easy to get angry when another driver almost kills you (and your passengers) due to negligence. But what happens if you let your anger get the better of you? Can you be charged with a crime for being too combative on the road? Is road rage really a crime in Georgia?
If you have been charged with an offense related to road rage, it might be time to get in touch with a traffic law attorney in Georgia. Our legal professionals can help you avoid unnecessary consequences for your road rage incident, and we can fight for your rights. Make no mistake – road rage can lead to serious penalties in some cases; it is best to work with an attorney and defend yourself in the best possible way.
Aggressive Driving in Georgia: What Does it Mean?
In Georgia, road rage is indeed a crime, and the technical term for this is “aggressive driving.” You are guilty of aggressive driving if you do any of the following while operating a motor vehicle:
- Annoy others
- Harass others
- Molest others
- Intimidate others
- Injure others
- Obstruct others
It is also worth pointing out that you can be charged with aggressive driving in addition to other crimes or traffic offenses, such as driving while intoxicated or speeding. In fact, many charges of aggressive driving are issued in connection to other crimes.
Even when taken on its own, aggressive driving is a serious offense, and it is considered a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. This means that if convicted of aggressive driving, you could spend as long as 12 months in jail. You may also be required to pay a fine of up to $5,000.
What Does Aggressive Driving Actually Look Like?
Aggressive driving may take many forms.
In Georgia, you can be charged with aggressive driving after brandishing a firearm, discharging it, or threatening to use it while on the road. You may also face aggressive driving charges for tailgating or “brake-checking.”
One of the most recent examples of aggressive driving in Georgia involved a group of street racers who were arrested in April of 2022. One was killed, another was injured, and a third faced murder charges, aggressive driving charges, and many other charges.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced traffic law attorney in Georgia, look no further than Lankford & Moore Law. Over the years, we have assisted numerous motorists in the Peach State, and we know exactly how to help you avoid consequences, traffic tickets, and all manner of legal penalties you might be facing. Becoming frustrated on the road should not lead to unnecessarily harsh consequences, so book your consultation today.