Traffic Tickets in Alpharetta and Roswell
If you received a traffic citation in North Fulton County, an Alpharetta traffic lawyer can help you understand your options before your court date. Most tickets issued within Alpharetta city limits go to Alpharetta Municipal Court. Citations written in Roswell go to Roswell Municipal Court. Both are city courts of limited jurisdiction that hear ordinance violations and state traffic offenses.
But not every stop stays in municipal court. If an officer pulled you over on a state route in unincorporated North Fulton, your case may land in Fulton County State Court instead. A municipal court can also dispose of misdemeanor traffic charges, including DUI, when the defendant waives a jury trial. A jury demand moves the case to State Court, and felony charges go to Superior Court. This page covers standard traffic violations handled in Alpharetta and Roswell. These include speeding, following too closely, failure to yield, and similar citations. Understanding which court has your case is the first step to defending your citation.
Alpharetta Municipal Court: Location and How Citations Are Handled
Alpharetta Municipal Court is located at the Alpharetta Public Safety Complex, 2565 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30009. When an officer writes a citation, that citation serves as the summons and carries a court date. That first appearance is the arraignment, where the defendant enters a plea.
At arraignment, you may plead guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest). Pleading not guilty sets the case for a bench trial on the court's traffic calendar. Before trial, you typically have an opportunity to negotiate with the city solicitor. You may seek a reduced charge or alternative option such as driving school.
For most routine traffic misdemeanors, a lawyer may appear on the defendant's behalf without the client being present. Speeding, improper lane change, and following too closely fall into this category. Whether counsel may appear alone is set by local court practice, not by a statewide statute. But the court may require the defendant's attendance for super speeder cases. The court may also require attendance for reckless driving charges. Attendance may also be required when a plea negotiation calls for the defendant to be sworn. Whether your lawyer can handle everything without you depends on the specific charge and the judge presiding that day.
Roswell Municipal Court: Location and How Citations Are Handled
Roswell Municipal Court is located at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, GA 30075. Like Alpharetta's court, Roswell Municipal Court has jurisdiction over state traffic offenses committed within city limits and city ordinance violations. Roswell traffic violation lawyers appear on this calendar for speeding, suspended license, and reckless driving citations.
The process follows a similar path. The officer's citation includes a court date. At the calendar call, defendants may enter a plea or request time to consult with an attorney. The city solicitor typically reviews cases before or during the calendar call. First-offense speeding cases may be eligible for negotiated reductions or a nolo contendere plea depending on the speed and circumstances.
For standard traffic citations in Roswell, counsel may appear on the defendant's behalf for routine traffic misdemeanors. The court may require personal attendance for charges involving suspended licenses, super speeder speeds, or reckless driving. Court dates in both Alpharetta and Roswell come up quickly. The exact date and time are printed on the citation itself. Contacting an attorney early preserves the widest range of options.
Georgia Points, Super Speeder, and License Consequences
Most moving traffic convictions in Georgia add points to your driving record through the Department of Driver Services. For drivers 21 and over, accumulating 15 points within a 24-month period triggers a license suspension. Common point values include:
- Speeding 15 to 18 mph over the limit: 2 points
- Speeding 19 to 23 mph over: 3 points
- Speeding 24 to 33 mph over: 4 points
- Speeding 34 mph or more over: 6 points
- Aggressive driving: 6 points
- Reckless driving: 4 points
Georgia's Super Speeder law adds another layer of risk. Under the Super Speeder statute, any driver convicted of traveling 85 mph or more on any road is a "super speeder." Drivers going 75 mph or more on a two-lane road are also classified as super speeders. The Department of Driver Services then imposes an additional $200 fee on top of the court fine. Failure to pay within 90 days of receiving notice results in license suspension and a $50 reinstatement fee.
Drivers under 21 face even stricter consequences under Georgia's Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act. A conviction for any offense carrying 4 or more points results in license suspension. This threshold is far below the 15-point limit for adults. A single speeding ticket at 24 mph over the limit could cost a young driver their license.
Speak With an Alpharetta Traffic Ticket Attorney
A traffic citation in Alpharetta or Roswell may seem minor. But the consequences can follow you for years. You may face points on your record, higher insurance rates, super speeder fees, or even license suspension. Early contact with an attorney matters. Court dates on Georgia citations arrive quickly. Options like nolo contendere pleas, driving school, or negotiated reductions are easier to pursue before the arraignment date passes.
Kohn & Yager LLC handles traffic defense across North Fulton County, including Alpharetta Municipal Court and Roswell Municipal Court. If you received a citation and want to understand your options, call (404) 567-5515 to schedule a consultation. Every case is different, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Appear in Alpharetta Municipal Court for a Speeding Ticket?
For most standard speeding tickets, your attorney may be able to appear on your behalf without you being present. But the court may require your attendance, particularly for super speeder cases or more serious charges. Your lawyer can advise whether your specific citation requires personal appearance.
Where Is Roswell Municipal Court Located and When Does Traffic Court Meet?
Roswell Municipal Court is at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, GA 30075. Traffic court sessions are held on a regular calendar. Your specific court date and time are printed on the citation. Contact the court clerk to confirm scheduling if you have questions.
What Is Georgia's Super Speeder Law and When Does the $200 Fee Apply?
Under the Super Speeder statute, drivers convicted of going 85 mph or more on any road are classified as super speeders. Drivers going 75 mph or more on a two-lane road are also super speeders. The Department of Driver Services assesses an additional $200 fee on top of the court-imposed fine. If you do not pay within 90 days of notice, your license is suspended.
How Many Points Before My Georgia Driver's License Is Suspended?
Drivers 21 and older face suspension after accumulating 15 points within 24 months. Drivers under 21 may lose their license after a single conviction carrying 4 or more points.
Can a Lawyer Get My Alpharetta Traffic Ticket Reduced or Dismissed?
Outcomes depend on the facts of your case, your driving history, and the specific charge. A lawyer may negotiate with the city solicitor for a reduced charge. Your lawyer may also recommend a nolo contendere plea to avoid points or identify defenses that could lead to dismissal. No attorney can guarantee a particular result.