This morning I was on my way back to school at The University of Georgia after spending the weekend with my family. As with most weekends, I prefer to drive back the following Monday morning to allow myself a good night's rest. However, traffic on the first leg of my drive was heavier than usual and I quickly noted I was on route to miss my advisement after recently changing my major.

I was driving on Hwy 316 East, 2 lanes each way, where the general speed limit is 65. Due to my rush, I was generally moving between 75 and 85, slower when there were other cars around mine. Typically on large highways I haven't had trouble, nor has anybody I know, with going 10 to 15 over. However, as I came in toward Athens, where UGA is located, I passed a sign noting the 55 mph zone. As I noted the sign and began to decelerate, the State Patrol Officer was already behind me. I pulled over, and was given a ticket for 84 in a 55: 29 mph over the limit, in Violation of Code Section 40-6-181

According to Georgia Law, anything between 24 and 34 mph over the limit will give you 4 points on your record. As a driver under 21, these 4 points alone would mean my license will be suspended. I am more frustrated because I am generally a decent driver and have never been given a ticket before, my only time getting pulled over was for not having my headlights on... as the sun was beginning to set...

Generally people have told me that pleading nolo or guilty would be the best idea. As a guilty plea could mean a reduction in the points and fine, especially considering prior record; a nolo plea would mean no points but full fine. I was also told that taking a Defensive Driving course before the court date could be helpful.

My main question is what do you believe the best path of action is, and my second is whether a nolo plea would still result in a suspended license due to the fact that it is a 4 point violation.