A Pasadena red light camera lawyer asserts your rights and outlines the best way to handle your ticket. Getting a red light ticket can be stressful, especially when you know it wasn’t your vehicle or that you were not the driver.
Red light cameras are common and often automated, but they can make mistakes. However, sometimes proving those mistakes can be tough.
A Pasadena criminal defense lawyer from Simmrin Law Group will review your ticket and evidence, explain your rights, advise you, and advocate for you in court or negotiations. We have helped thousands of clients over nearly two decades in service, and we may be able to assist you, too.
Can You Fight a Red Light Camera Ticket?
Yes, you can fight a red light camera ticket in Pasadena. While California Vehicle Code 21453 helps keep drivers safe at red lights, automation has created a gray area. Drivers have the right to contest traffic tickets in the state of California, and here is how the process will work:
1. Review the Ticket and Evidence Presented to You
Review your ticket and evidence, including incident photos or videos. Check the license plate, vehicle, location, and time and date. The first thing to do is to make sure that it was your vehicle and that you were the driver.
2. Request a Traffic Court Trial
To fight the ticket, request a traffic court trial. In California, you can choose to have a written trail or an in-person one. This is where a lawyer from Simmrin Law Group can be very helpful; we can represent you so that you don’t have to do the work that comes with representing yourself.
3. Present Evidence
Present any evidence demonstrating why the ticket may be in error. For instance, if you were not the driver at the time of the alleged violation, you can provide documentation or statements to show someone else was operating the vehicle.
You can review your ticket yourself, but the process can be overwhelming. An attorney can help gather evidence, build your defense, and represent you in court.
For a free legal consultation with a red light camera lawyer serving Pasadena, call (310) 896-2723
Penalties for a Red Light Camera Ticket
Red light violations typically range from $50 to $150, but in California, they can surpass $500. They also impact your driving record. Here are further details on potential penalties:
- Fines: Payable if found liable for the violation. The total includes court fees and related costs.
- Driving Point: In California, a red light violation generally results in one point being added to your driver’s record.
- Insurance Penalties: Insurance companies often review driving records when determining premium costs. Points from red light camera violations could result in increased insurance premiums.
- Consequences if Multiple Points Accumulate: Accumulating multiple points can be risky and, in extreme cases, may lead to license suspension.
This is why consulting an experienced red light camera attorney is so important. A lawyer with proven experience can carefully explain the specific consequences for your situation, uncover nuances in your case that may lead to a reduction or dismissal of penalties, and develop a legal approach tailored to maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.
Pasadena Red Light Camera Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Common Defenses a Pasadena Red Light Camera Lawyer May Use
You may wonder what defenses a Pasadena red light camera attorney could use, as red light speeding camera tickets are constitutional in California. Common examples include unclear evidence, improper camera maintenance, not being the driver, and yellow light timing issues.
Unclear or Insufficient Evidence
A common defense is that camera footage is too unclear to confirm the driver or license plate. If they cannot prove that it was you driving the vehicle and that it was your car, then you may be able to contest your ticket.
Improper Camera Maintenance or Calibration
Red light cameras require proper maintenance and calibration. If not, the ticket’s validity can be contested. These systems must be regularly inspected and tested to ensure they are accurately capturing violations.
If records show that the camera was not properly maintained or calibrated at the time of the alleged violation, the reliability of the evidence may be questioned.
The Registered Owner Was Not the Driver
Red light tickets go to the vehicle’s owner, not always the driver. If you were not driving, you can dispute the ticket. Simply provide evidence that you were not the one driving during the time of the incident. A lawyer can help you figure out what proof or documentation works best.
Yellow Light Timing Issues
Intersections must meet proper yellow light timing. If it’s too short, violations may be unfair. Reviewing signal timing records could reveal that the intersection failed to meet standards, supporting a defense against the citation.
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How a Traffic Light Camera Lawyer Serving Pasadena Can Help
A Pasadena red light camera lawyer can guide you through every step of contesting a ticket. So you don’t have to go about the process alone.
An attorney will examine your ticket and evidence, determine defenses for your case, handle court appearances, and work to get your penalties reduced or dismissed.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form