Gwinnett Recorder’s Court handles many different types of cases: traffic tickets, county ordinance violations, DUIs, possession of marijuana charges, and others. In many ways, it helps the county to address lower-level offenses with efficiency. Generally speaking, you can resolve your case with a more favorable outcome in Gwinnett Recorder’s Court than in one of the higher courts. However, that simplicity comes at a cost; defendants in Gwinnett Recorder’s Court very rarely give their cases the level of importance they deserve. Due to that, they enter pleas without knowing the consequences of doing so. Every time our attorneys are in Gwinnett Recorder’s Court, they see people enter pleas knowing that they could have negotiated a better deal or even gotten a dismissal. By hiring an attorney, you are ensuring that whatever outcome you get is the best possible outcome.
What if I Just Pay the Ticket?
Paying a ticket or citation is the same as entering a guilty plea. It carries all the same weight that a guilty plea would carry. The “sentence” of that plea is just the fine. However, there are often consequences beyond the sentence. For example, paying off most moving violations will cause points to go on your license. The violation will also show up on your driving history. For some violations, your license can be suspended. Paying the ticket is almost never the right way to close your case.
Won’t the Judge Tell Me What to Do?
No. The judge at Gwinnett Recorder’s Court does not represent you. Therefore, he or she cannot give you legal advice. Only an attorney representing you can give you legal advice. Furthermore, the judge handles many cases at a time and will not have time to adequately look into your case. The judge’s obligation is to uphold the law; it is not the judge’s job to ensure you get the best outcome. That is the job of an attorney.
Can’t I Negotiate the Ticket Myself?
You always have the right to represent yourself in court. That includes the right to negotiate a plea or settlement. However, you are at a disadvantage. Before court starts, Gwinnett Recorder’s Court shows a video that talks about your procedural rights. It specifically tells you that you are held to the same standard as an attorney. Even a trained legal professional should not negotiate on his or her own case. It is always better to have a third party negotiate for you to get a better deal.
Why Do I Need an Attorney in Gwinnett Recorder’s Court?
An attorney can handle all of the problems addressed here and others that we did not discuss. An attorney can make sure that your rights are utilized to the fullest extent. Our attorneys bring the knowledge needed to even the playing field. When you bring an attorney from Lankford & Moore Law to Gwinnett Recorder’s Court, you can be sure that you are getting the best outcome possible. Whether you need a skilled negotiator to work out a plea to protect your license or a trained litigator to fight your case, our attorneys are here to help.
