On October 2nd after I got off work, I usually travel down Roswell Road almost daily on my way home. I approached an intersection (light still green) near a strip mall and I reached down to change channels on my car radio as I was still driving. Next thing I know, I was stopped by not 1, but 2 officers and was told to pull over. One of the officers asked me did I see a school bus stop in front of me? I said no, I did not. He then asked for my license and gave me a citation. I went online yesterday (Thursday, Oc.t. 10) to check my posted fine. It is $495. I also have to appear in court on Wed, October 23rd, and cannot pay fine online. What I should do? It's my 1st offense of this kind. I am a good driver. It was an honest mistake when I did not pay attention/see the school bus stopping.
It will not do any good to throw yourself at the mercy of the court. All a judge can do is accept a guilty or no contest plea. Passing a school bus carried 6 points- the same amount as a DUI by comparison. Nolo's problem is your insurance will still see the conviction and it will almost surely impact your insurance rates.
I do a lot of work in Sandy Springs. If you go through my profile, I am happy to give you a more thorough evaluation of your case and what could be done.
You may be able to talk to prosecutor about reducing the charges or the fine. Traffic court is a revenue source for government and sometimes all they really want is your money. I'm not a traffic court expert but there are some cases where they will either reduce the fine, or take the fine and waive points. Making a deal is the right way to go; that's not the same as throwing yourself on the mercy of the court. Good luck.
Daniel Ray PartainCriminal Defense AttorneyDacula, GA ·
I agree with the prior attorney that posted here. The trial court cannot change your charge to one that does not have any points. That is something that you or your lawyer should do with the prosecutor.
If you have a good driving record, get a copy of it, and use it as mitigation with the prosecutor. However, I would consult with an attorney immediately to help you with your options.
I would definitely get a lawyer. You can either get this reduced to a less serious charge, or get it reduced to a non-reporting violation so it will not go on your driving history at all. I would ask for a continuance to talk to an attorney. They will reset your case, no questions asked. Many times fines are higher online than they are when you go to court, or a lawyer goes for you, to negotiate them.
