What is the difference between a regular traffic ticket and a criminal charge like Reckless Driving or DUI?

A regular traffic ticket (like speeding 10 mph over) is an infraction that usually results in a fine and points on your license. A charge like DUI, Reckless Driving, or Hit and Run is a criminal misdemeanor or felony. A criminal charge requires a court appearance, carries the risk of jail time, severe fines, and results in a criminal record that goes beyond your driving history. We specialize in defending these serious criminal driving offenses.

I have a suspended license due to a Failure to Appear (FTA) or Super Speeder fee. How quickly can you get it back?

The speed of license reinstatement depends entirely on the cause. If the suspension is due to an FTA (missed court date), we act immediately to contact the municipal or state court clerk to lift the judicial hold and submit the necessary forms to the DDS. If it's a Super Speeder suspension due to non-payment, we ensure the court and state fees are properly addressed. We focus on cutting through the bureaucracy to achieve the fastest possible legal reinstatement.

Will paying my accident-related ticket (like Following Too Closely) affect a future civil lawsuit?

Absolutely. Paying an accident-related ticket in Georgia can be seen as an admission of guilt (negligence per se) and can be used as evidence against you in a civil personal injury lawsuit filed by the other driver. The financial stakes of the civil case—covering medical bills and damages—often far exceed the ticket fine. Our primary goal is to fight the ticket to prevent that conviction from being used to prove you were at fault in civil court.

What is the most critical mistake people make after a DUI arrest in Metro Atlanta?

The most critical mistake is failing to request the DDS Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing within 30 days of the arrest. Missing this deadline results in an automatic, mandatory suspension of your license, regardless of the outcome of your criminal case. We treat this 30-day deadline as the first and most urgent step in every DUI defense we handle.

My charges include a felony (like Burglary or Drug Trafficking). Do you handle serious non-traffic criminal cases?

Yes. While we specialize in serious driving offenses, our firm has over 25 years of experience successfully litigating felony and serious criminal cases in Superior Courts across Metro Atlanta. We provide aggressive defense against all felony charges, including challenging police procedure (illegal search/seizure), defending against mandatory minimum sentences, and fighting Warrants & Probation Violations.

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Decatur GA

Decatur, GA Traffic & Criminal Defense

Protecting Drivers and Residents in Decatur City Limits

If you received a citation or were arrested within the City of Decatur, your case will begin in the Decatur Municipal Court. However, all serious misdemeanor and felony charges are quickly transferred (bound over) to the larger DeKalb County court system. Successfully navigating these courts requires specific, current knowledge of Decatur's local procedures and the complex DeKalb County prosecution structure.

James E. Kee & Associates is the defense firm dedicated to protecting your driving privileges and freedom against citations issued by the Decatur Police Department (DPD) and the DeKalb County Police Department.

Facing charges in Decatur? Call Our Attorneys Immediately

Local Authority: Focused on Decatur and DeKalb County Courts 📍

We structure our defense strategies around the specific venues and law enforcement agencies that operate within the Decatur area, providing targeted, effective representation across DeKalb County.

Key Decatur Jurisdiction Courts:

Decatur Municipal Court: The primary court for local traffic offenses (e.g., speeding, red light camera tickets, local ordinance violations), and first appearances for charges occurring within the city limits.

DeKalb County State Court: Handles all misdemeanor charges, including DUI, shoplifting, simple battery, and minor drug offenses, for cases transferred (bound over) from Decatur Municipal Court or originating elsewhere in the county.

DeKalb County Superior Court: Handles all felony criminal cases that originate from an arrest in Decatur (e.g., armed robbery, serious drug trafficking, Aggravated Assault).

Local Enforcement Agencies We Challenge:

We have extensive experience challenging the evidence and procedures of the agencies enforcing the laws in and around Decatur:

Decatur Police Department (DPD): Familiar with their specific patrol procedures, pedestrian traffic enforcement, and DUI task force protocols in and around the downtown square.

DeKalb County Police Department: Handles jurisdiction outside DPD limits and manages county-wide enforcement that impacts most of Decatur's residents.

Georgia State Patrol (GSP): Handling high-speed GSP citations and serious DUI investigations that occur on major DeKalb routes like US-78 and I-285.

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Our Specialized Defense Focus 🚦

Our practice centers on the legal areas that most frequently put your license and livelihood at risk. We provide immediate, targeted defense against the most severe driving offenses in Georgia.

DUI Defense

Fighting the 30-Day DDS License Suspension and mandatory jail time.

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Accident-Related Tickets

Fighting citations like Following Too Closely to prevent a conviction that could be used as evidence against you in a civil lawsuit.

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Super Speeder Defense

Avoiding the mandatory $\$200$ state fee, license points, and massive insurance increases.

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Suspended License Restoration

Urgent legal action to clear court holds, resolve FTAs, and get you back on the road legally.

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CDL Ticket Defense

Specialized defense against violations that threaten your commercial driving career and livelihood.

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Reckless & Aggressive Driving

Defending against these high-point criminal charges to prevent suspension and jail time.

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Full-Spectrum Criminal Defense Services ⚖️

While driving offenses are our core specialty, our attorneys have decades of experience defending clients against serious criminal charges in Superior and State Courts across Metro Atlanta.

Drug Crimes Defense

Aggressive Fourth Amendment challenges (illegal search/seizure) to protect against mandatory minimum sentences.

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Domestic Violence & Assault

Urgent defense against Family Violence Battery, TPOs, and restraining orders that restrict access to your home and family.

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Theft & Property Crimes

Challenging the element of intent in cases like Shoplifting and Burglary to protect your criminal record.

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Felony & Serious Crimes

Aggressive defense for all major felony charges, including violent crimes and high-stakes white-collar offenses.

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Warrants & Probation Violations

Urgent legal representation to resolve outstanding warrants and defend against probation revocation hearings.

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Expungement & Record Restriction

Helping clients clear their record to improve future employment and housing opportunities.

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Need legal help? Contact James E. Kee & Associates today for a free consultation

Why Choose James E. Kee & Associates? 🏆

History of Success: A record of dismissals, reductions, and favorable outcomes in serious traffic and criminal cases.

Personalized Defense Strategy: We tailor every defense plan to your specific goals, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Fierce Advocacy: Dedicated to challenging police reports and prosecutor claims to protect your constitutional rights.

Competitive Rates & Value: Clear, competitive fees that deliver superior legal quality for your investment.

Specialized Expertise: Decades of experience focused exclusively on Georgia's complex traffic and criminal laws.

Assertive & Open Communication: You're always informed. We provide clear, honest advice so you can make confident decisions.

Atlanta Local Authority: Deep understanding of Fulton County and all Metro Atlanta courts, judges, and prosecutors.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a regular traffic ticket and a criminal charge like Reckless Driving or DUI? Show Answer
A regular traffic ticket (like speeding 10 mph over) is an infraction that usually results in a fine and points on your license. A charge like DUI, Reckless Driving, or Hit and Run is a criminal misdemeanor or felony. A criminal charge requires a court appearance, carries the risk of jail time, severe fines, and results in a criminal record that goes beyond your driving history. We specialize in defending these serious criminal driving offenses.
I have a suspended license due to a Failure to Appear (FTA) or Super Speeder fee. How quickly can you get it back? Show Answer
The speed of license reinstatement depends entirely on the cause. If the suspension is due to an FTA (missed court date), we act immediately to contact the municipal or state court clerk to lift the judicial hold and submit the necessary forms to the DDS. If it's a Super Speeder suspension due to non-payment, we ensure the court and state fees are properly addressed. We focus on cutting through the bureaucracy to achieve the fastest possible legal reinstatement.
Will paying my accident-related ticket (like Following Too Closely) affect a future civil lawsuit? Show Answer
Absolutely. Paying an accident-related ticket in Georgia can be seen as an admission of guilt (negligence per se) and can be used as evidence against you in a civil personal injury lawsuit filed by the other driver. The financial stakes of the civil case—covering medical bills and damages—often far exceed the ticket fine. Our primary goal is to fight the ticket to prevent that conviction from being used to prove you were at fault in civil court.
What is the most critical mistake people make after a DUI arrest in Metro Atlanta? Show Answer
The most critical mistake is failing to request the DDS Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing within 30 days of the arrest. Missing this deadline results in an automatic, mandatory suspension of your license, regardless of the outcome of your criminal case. We treat this 30-day deadline as the first and most urgent step in every DUI defense we handle.
My charges include a felony (like Burglary or Drug Trafficking). Do you handle serious non-traffic criminal cases? Show Answer
Yes. While we specialize in serious driving offenses, our firm has over 25 years of experience successfully litigating felony and serious criminal cases in Superior Courts across Metro Atlanta. We provide aggressive defense against all felony charges, including challenging police procedure (illegal search/seizure), defending against mandatory minimum sentences, and fighting Warrants & Probation Violations.

Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney Services for Every Decatur Neighborhood - Criminal Defense Experts Near You

Decatur is a city known for its historic charm, vibrant town square, and distinct neighborhoods, each with its unique character. Whether you reside in a craftsman home near Oakhurst or a modern loft downtown, James E. Kee & Associates is here to address all your criminal defense needs.

Downtown Decatur & Decatur Heights Criminal Defense Services:

In the heart of the city, Downtown Decatur and Decatur Heights are known for their lively atmosphere, historic preservation, and community engagement. James E. Kee & Associates understands the importance of providing professional legal support while respecting the integrity of these areas. We offer various services to address any criminal defense issue you may encounter in your Decatur area, from minor infractions to complex felony charges.

Oakhurst & Kirkwood Legal Defense:

Home to beloved parks, thriving local businesses, and family-friendly environments, Oakhurst and Kirkwood are highly desirable intown neighborhoods. James E. Kee & Associates is proud to serve these communities, offering reliable and professional criminal defense services to protect your rights. We understand the importance of minimizing disruption in your life, and our team works efficiently to provide top-notch legal representation.

Candler Park & Lake Claire Criminal Defense Attorney for Representation, Guidance, and Support:

Offering a blend of historic architecture and peaceful, tree-lined streets, Candler Park and Lake Claire are popular choices for those seeking a tranquil intown lifestyle. James E. Kee & Associates has experience in servicing these areas, ensuring residents have access to quality legal representation when it matters most. From DUI defense to drug-related charges, we offer a comprehensive range of services to protect your future and defend your rights.

Avondale Estates & Druid Hills Experienced Defense Attorneys:

Renowned for its unique planned community design and proximity to key institutions, Avondale Estates and Druid Hills offer a distinguished suburban feel with city access. James E. Kee & Associates is committed to providing exceptional service to match the high standards of these communities. Our team of experienced attorneys uses the latest legal strategies and techniques to ensure your case receives the attention it deserves, allowing you to focus on what’s important.

Decatur & Surrounding Areas - Reliable Legal Support for Criminal Defense:

Bustling with a mix of residential neighborhoods, commerce, and cultural institutions, Decatur and its surrounding communities offer a dynamic environment. James E. Kee & Associates is proud to serve these neighborhoods, providing dependable and skilled legal services for individuals and families alike. Whether you need guidance for a minor case or a robust defense in court, our team is here to represent you with professionalism and dedication.

Zip Codes We Serve

30301-30399, 31106-31196, 30030, 30032, 30033, 30043, 30044, 30045, 30046, 30078, 30075, 30076, 30077, 30060, 30062, 30063, 30064, 30065, 30066, 30067, 30068, 30134, 30135, 30236, 30238, 30297

Parks and Recreation in Decatur, GA: Glenlake Park, Oakhurst Park, Legacy Park, Adair Park, Woodlands Garden
Cemeteries in Decatur, GA: Decatur Cemetery
Educational Institutions in Decatur, GA: Agnes Scott College, Columbia Theological Seminary, City Schools of Decatur
Healthcare in Decatur, GA: Emory University Hospital Midtown, DeKalb Medical Center (Emory Decatur Hospital)
Government and Services in Decatur, GA: Decatur City Hall, Decatur Municipal Court, DeKalb County Courthouse

Customer reviews

Leah Cote 9/19/2025

James Kee was very helpful in my consultation and provided great advice as to how I should proceed with my case.

Bishop Ken Hardin Sr. 9/2/2025

Mr. James Kee treated me with the utmost respect and was very informative during my consultation with him. If you are looking for an attorney that is very knowledgeable and willing to make sure you are given the best possible advice, please contact attorney James Kee!

raghavender reddy 8/21/2025

Kee is an awesome attorney. If he says, he can handle it, he will definitely do it 100%. I had a traffic citation and he dismissed it easily. I recommend him 100%. He is also available on texts all the time to answer.

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James E. Kee & Associates Legal Services Areas

Call for your initial appointment. Let’s discuss the details of your case.

Contact Your Decatur Defense Team Today

If you are facing the Decatur Municipal Court or the DeKalb County courts, call us now for the specialized defense you need to protect your license and your future.

Give us a call today: (404) 870-6719 or Schedule an appointment