"Following too closely" ticket fine? Court in Atlanta (Alpharetta: insurance, how much)

[botis1028]

Hey all,

About three weeks ago I was involved in a rear end accident where a woman started to go through a yellow light and then hit her brakes last second. I briefly looked at the street sign to see if where I was at and of course it was too late when I looked back down.

In addition to totaling my car, the officer gave me a 'following too closely' citation which requires me to attend court in one week from tomorrow. First issue is I do not live in Atlanta, much less Georgia. I will have drive all way to Atlanta from Charlotte, NC to attend court - miss work, and I have no clue how much the citation is going to be as it was not written on the ticket.

I am not so much concerned of getting out of the ticket as it was my fault looking up at the street sign but I am concerned of the price of the ticket/court fees.

Does anyone know how much this ticket will be and what to expect in the court room?

Thanks,
Bryan

[PKCorey]

Call the clerk of the court and find out the fee. That's how it works in GA.

They will let you know, if this is a must appear ticket or not...

[botis1028]

I tried calling the clerk, and since it was a 'Must appear in court' citation, she could not tell me the fee. I just didn't know if anyone had gotten in an accident and was issued a 'following too closely' citation, or knew anyone that has. Thanks for any responses!

[Neemy]

I've gotten a "following too closely" citation after I rear-ended someone who slammed on her brakes for no reason on the entrance ramp of 400 at Windward Pkwy, but that's Alpharetta. It was optional to appear in court, so I had the option of paying it online. I contested in court, instead, and the ticket was dropped because the other party didn't show up.

I've never heard of the "must appear in court" thing when you get a "following too closely" charge. Huh. Must be a city of Atlanta thing, I guess.

As far as what to expect, I can't tell you anything about court fees, I didn't have to pay anything, but I can tell you it's a quick process. You go into the courthouse at your assigned time, there will be a bunch of other people there for various reasons, and when your name is called, you will go up and sit at a table with someone who will review your case. If the other party doesn't show up, then they'll most likely drop it.

Again, that's Alpharetta, though.

I know this was not a very helpful post. I'm just surprised that you have to go to court.

[DeaconVI]

I believe there is a maximum penalty for driving related misdemeanors in GA. I'm not a lawyer, and as such this is not legal advice or anything and may not be 100% accurate, but I believe the maximum possibly fine is $1000, plus court fees but from the limited info I've seen, you are likely to be fined much less than that amount. The specific infraction is probably GA code 40-6-49. Based on what I saw after a couple google searches, it will likely be less than $300 but I think a lot depends on the judge and your record.

I also believe it will be 3pts on your license, but I'm not sure if that affects you as you don't live in GA. source: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sourc...ropVW-af9YbvEw

[chacho]

As stated above, if you show up and the other party doesn't, it will more than likely get dropped. Same thing happened to me (in Atlanta).

[floyd242]

Mine was $250 with fees and everything.

[K_Marq]

Same thing happened to me two years ago south Fulton County. An 18-wheeler pulled out in front of the car ahead of me, she slammed on brakes, and I rear-ended her. The cop gave me a ticket for 'Following Too Close." He explained to me that the judge is really only concerned about getting the damages fixed (not sure if that's the case in other jurisdictions). Fortunately, there was minimal damage (mostly to my car), and the other woman and I had the same insurance company. The other woman didn't show up in court since our insurance handled everything, and the ticket was dropped. No points were added to my license and my insurance rate didn't go up. Make sure you show up in court though or a warrant will be issued for you.

[ashleybear13]

Hi, I am going through the same type case. Did you just state "not guilty" in court or how did you approach? Thanks

[ATL Golfer]

First thing I do when I get any ticket is request another court date. Then hope cop/other party does not show.

I'd plead nolo contendere if they did show up. No pts on driving record.