West Haven, CT asked in Traffic Tickets and Civil Litigation for Georgia

Q: How to dispute a summons for running a red light in Georgia?

I received a summons from the Savannah Airport Police in connection with a motor vehicle citation under Georgia Code GA 40-6-20, stating that I ran a red light. However, I believe the officer made an error, as I did not run the red light. What steps can I take to dispute this summons?

2 Lawyer Answers
Glenn T. Stern
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A: Unless you have dash cam footage or there were traffic cameras that recorded the incident (and you can find them and get a copy of the video-if such cameras even exist), it will come down to your word versus the officer's word in court. Most of the time, that is not a formula for success in traffic court, and without more-"I believe the officer made an error" is not going to win the day.

James L. Arrasmith
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A: To dispute the summons for running a red light in Georgia, the first step is to review the ticket carefully to understand the specific details of the violation, including the location, time, and any supporting evidence the officer may have. Since you believe the officer made an error, gather any evidence that supports your claim, such as dashcam footage, witness testimony, or traffic camera footage if available.

Next, you can either choose to attend the court hearing or request a hearing if you have not been assigned one already. During the hearing, present your evidence clearly, and be prepared to explain your side of the story in a calm and organized manner. If you do not have all the evidence you need at this stage, you can ask the judge for a continuance to gather further information.

It may also help to consult with a local attorney who is familiar with Georgia traffic laws to guide you through the process and improve your chances of a favorable outcome. Be sure to attend the court date on time and adhere to all deadlines for filing evidence or motions.

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