If you have been accused of certain traffic offenses in Georgia, you have the right to defend yourself against these allegations. However, most traffic offenses in Georgia do not fall under the jurisdiction of criminal courts. As a result, you may need to defend yourself at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing instead of a criminal court. How exactly do these hearings work? More importantly, what should you do during your DMV hearing to pursue positive results?
Tell Your Side of the Story
Generally speaking, a DMV hearing in Georgia gives you a chance to tell your side of the story. You might explain what happened from your point of view – providing a contrast to the testimony offered by police officers, eyewitnesses, and other drivers involved in a potential collision. Your lawyer can represent you during this process, telling your version of the events in a compelling, detailed, and eloquent manner.
Refute Evidence
During your DMV hearing, you might also have the chance to refute or call into question any evidence brought against you. Again, your lawyer can assist with this process. For example, your accident may have been captured on camera. However, the footage may be too grainy to make out in any detail – making it completely unreliable. If eyewitnesses or police officers testify against you, your lawyer can question them about their version of the events. An experienced traffic offense lawyer in Georgia can highlight inconsistencies or errors in their testimony.
Present Your Own Evidence
During the hearing, you may have an opportunity to present your own evidence to back up your side of the story. This evidence can take many forms, and your lawyer may be able to help you collect it before your hearing. Each case is unique, and some forms of evidence may be more relevant than others, depending on your circumstances. One potential example is dashcam footage that you have collected with your own vehicle-mounted camera.
Argue for Leniency
Even if the evidence against you seems overwhelming, your lawyer can help you pursue positive results. They may argue for leniency on your behalf – perhaps helping you obtain a temporary, restricted license despite a pending suspension. With this restricted license, it may be possible to travel to work, keep your job, and continue earning income.
Find a Qualified Traffic Offense Lawyer in Georgia
If you are approaching a DMV hearing in Georgia, you should get in touch with an experienced traffic offense lawyer. These legal professionals can represent you during your hearing and help you pursue positive results. While it may seem tempting to simply represent yourself during the DMV hearing, you can proceed with greater levels of confidence and efficiency alongside a professional. Perhaps most crucially, these traffic offense lawyers can help you keep your license and avoid fines. Book your consultation with Lankford & Moore Law today to learn more.
