If you have received a traffic ticket and you are on your way to court, the traffic court judge is the most influential person in your life that day. He or she will determine if you will pay high fines that could increase your insurance rates and put your license in jeopardy or if the case will be dismissed. The method of selecting traffic court judges varies in the United States. In Dalton, Ga., the traffic court judge presides over all municipal cases and is appointed by the Dalton City Council. In many cities, the traffic court judges are elected and serve terms ranging from four to eight years. While most of the time a traffic court judge is an attorney, in some areas having a law degree is not a requirement. Most states offer training for traffic court judges so that they are prepared to hand down decisions when they get on the bench.