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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Marietta GA

Marietta, GA Traffic & Criminal Defense

Protecting Drivers and Residents in Marietta City Limits and Cobb County

If you received a citation or were arrested within the City of Marietta, your case will begin in the Marietta Municipal Court. However, most serious misdemeanor and felony charges are transferred to the larger Cobb County court system. Successfully navigating these courts requires specific, up-to-date knowledge of Marietta's local procedures and the complex Cobb County prosecution system.

James E. Kee & Associates is the defense firm dedicated to protecting your driving privileges and freedom against citations issued by the Marietta Police Department (MPD) and the Georgia State Patrol, particularly on I-75.

Facing charges in Marietta? Call Our Attorneys Immediately

Local Authority: Focused on Marietta and Cobb County Courts 📍

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

Key Marietta Jurisdiction Courts:

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

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

Cobb County Superior Court: Handles all felony criminal cases that originate from an arrest in Marietta (e.g., Serious Vehicular Homicide, 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 Marietta:

Marietta Police Department (MPD): Familiar with their specific patrol procedures, downtown enforcement zones, and DUI task force protocols.

Cobb County Police Department: Handles jurisdiction outside MPD limits and manages county-wide enforcement that often impacts Marietta residents.

Georgia State Patrol (GSP): Handling high-speed GSP citations and serious DUI investigations that occur on I-75 and the perimeter, leading to charges in Cobb County State Court.

Find Out Where You Stand – Free Consultation

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 Marietta Neighborhood – Your Dedicated Criminal Defense Advocate Nearby

Marietta is a dynamic city with a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its unique character. Whether you live in a bustling downtown loft or a charming East Cobb home, James E. Kee & Associates is here to handle all your criminal defense needs.

Downtown Marietta & Historic Marietta Defense Attorney Services:

In the heart of Marietta, these historic neighborhoods are known for their vibrant culture and historic charm. James E. Kee & Associates understands the importance of preserving the spirit of these areas while ensuring residents have access to skilled and reliable legal representation. From DUI charges to more complex criminal cases, we offer a variety of services to meet the unique legal needs of clients in Downtown Marietta, protecting your rights with dedication and professionalism.

East Cobb & Indian Hills Criminal Defense:

With beautiful neighborhoods and a welcoming community, East Cobb and Indian Hills are popular choices for residents seeking an active lifestyle. James E. Kee & Associates is proud to serve these communities, offering compassionate, dependable legal services to support you through every stage of your case. Our team understands the importance of minimizing the stress of legal challenges and working efficiently to provide you with results-oriented representation.

West Cobb & Powder Springs Legal Advocacy:

Offering a suburban feel with scenic parks and quiet neighborhoods, West Cobb and Powder Springs provide an ideal lifestyle for families and professionals. James E. Kee & Associates is experienced in representing individuals in these areas, handling a range of legal matters. Whether you need assistance with misdemeanor charges or serious criminal issues, we provide comprehensive defense services tailored to protect your rights and secure your future.

Vinings & Smyrna Experts in Criminal Defense:

Known for their strong community spirit and vibrant social scenes, Vinings and Smyrna attract families, young professionals, and retirees alike. James E. Kee & Associates is committed to providing outstanding legal services to meet the high standards of these neighborhoods. Our team employs advanced strategies and a dedicated approach to ensure your legal defense is as effective as possible, allowing you to focus on maintaining your quality of life.

Kennesaw & Acworth Criminal Defense Services:

With a mix of residential neighborhoods, local attractions, and bustling shopping areas, Kennesaw and Acworth offer a dynamic environment for individuals and families. James E. Kee & Associates is honored to serve these active communities, providing prompt, affordable, and skilled representation for various criminal defense needs. Whether you need consultations or immediate representation, our team is here to handle any legal matter with professionalism and care.

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

Hotels & Inns in Marietta, GA: Stanley House Inn, Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center, Budget Inn-Marietta
Shopping & Markets in Marietta, GA: Marietta Square Market, Marietta Melt Yard, Douceur De France - Bakery & Brunch, Good Kitchen + Market, Better Baseball Superstore
Healthcare in Marietta, GA: Marietta Dermatology, Wellstar Kennestone Emergency Department
Nature & Recreation in Marietta, GA: Kennesaw Mountain Summit, JHM Farms LLC, Schmidt Pond, Hardage Farm HOA, Kennesaw Mountain Drive Park, The Stingray Allstars - Marietta, Henry Memorial Park, Custer Park
Housing & Community in Marietta, GA: Parkside At Town Center Apartments
Libraries & Education in Marietta, GA: Switzer Library

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 Marietta Defense Team Today

If you are facing the Marietta Municipal Court or the Cobb 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