Bigger & Harman, APC - July 2021

DID YOU GET A RED LIGHT TICKET? GOOD NEWS: YOU’RE NOT OUT OF LUCK

INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION Thanks to your referrals, we were able to give $820 to fight human trafficking. To learn more about International Justice Mission, please go to IJM.org. MISSION: To protect the poor from violence by rescuing victims, bringing the criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts. Our long-term vision is to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice for the poor unstoppable.

We’ve all been in a situation where we were going fairly fast, but the traffic light suddenly changes. Stopping too suddenly would seem dangerous — what do we do? If you run a red light in California, the fine alone can cost around $500, plus the cost of traffic school or increased insurance premiums. However, the red light camera ticket system is not always perfect.

PREVENTING RED LIGHT CAMERA TICKETS Remember: Entering the intersection when the light is red will trigger the camera. The best way to avoid a red light camera ticket is to slow down when the light turns yellow if you can’t safely enter the intersection before the light turns red. Don’t be tempted to speed to get through the intersection because you may end up with a speeding ticket trying to avoid the red light ticket! If you do enter the intersection late, you may trigger the camera and see the bright flash. Don’t forget to check your mail after that! If the address on your vehicle’s registration isn’t current, the ticket may be sent to your old address. So check with the local court after a few weeks if you’ve moved recently. DEFENSES FOR RED LIGHT CAMERA TICKETS If the traffic camera did not get a clear image of you and you receive a ticket in the mail, you stand a good chance of having the charges dismissed. However, it is not a guarantee and the process can be time- consuming without using a traffic ticket attorney. A ticket can also be dismissed if the camera is found to have been malfunctioning, or if the video clearly shows that you were avoiding an accident. A knowledgeable attorney will advise that you not tell the police or court officials who was driving. You are not required to inform the court of the driver’s identity. It is up to law enforcement to prove that you were the driver. Law enforcement officers examine the still photos and video before mailing out the ticket and will come to court with the images and video to make their case. If you need the most seasoned attorneys to help you challenge your red light ticket to prevent your insurance premiums from going up, just give us a call. We look forward to fighting for you!

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23

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