It’s not uncommon for drivers to want to know how to beat a red light camera ticket. Red light violations are usually captured by a camera and a ticket with a letter that mentions the fine and the date of payment is sent to the offender. Most tickets can be contested in traffic court including those that were issued because of a picture taken by an automated camera. Whether the picture was taken as a result of a technical error or if there was a case of mistaken identity, you have a constitutional right to plead your innocence.
Most people want to avoid any trouble with the city or county authorities, so they just pay the ticket without going to court.
Red Light Camera Defenses
There are a variety of legal defenses that can be used in court to show that you are not guilty of the traffic charge. The prosecutor must also prove that you willingly broke the law, but you may be able to argue that this is not the case. If it was a genuine emergency situation, such as rushing to a hospital, the judge may consider that you did not run the red light intentionally. Another defense that can be raised to contest red light ticket charges is that you ran the light to prevent a serious traffic jam or a dangerous road accident.
If you’ve received a red light camera ticket:
- Don’t fret and stay calm. You have a constitutional right to plead your innocence.
- Think: Where are there traffic courts near me. You will need to plead not guilty and have a date scheduled to contest your charge in court.
- Remember: The burden of proof doesn’t rest with you. The prosecutor must prove that you are guilty.
- Contact a knowledgeable camera ticket lawyer. You will be in a much better position to beat traffic camera tickets if you have an attorney by your side.
But there are ways to fight your California red light camera ticket; you don’t have to meekly pay up and keep quiet about the matter. Remember that the burden of proof is on the authorities. You are not required to admit your guilt. You can hire a lawyer specializing in traffic tickets to fight your red light camera ticket. These are a few ways in which you can challenge your red light ticket in Los Angeles:
- Blurry photo: If the photo doesn’t clearly show you or your licence plates, you can argue that there is no clear proof that it is either your car or you driving it at that time.
- Camera Reliability: the prosecution has to prove beyond any doubt that the camera was in perfect working condition at the time it took your picture. If they cannot prove that, it will weaken their case.
- Witness at Trial: The manufacturer of the camera is supposed to testify at the trial that the camera was in perfect condition at the time it took the photograph in question. If a representative does not appear in court, you can argue that its accuracy is not verified.
- Hearsay: You can argue that under the sixth amendment, the photo is hearsay and thus inadmissible evidence; you have the right to confront your accuser, which is not possible in this case.
The wise thing to do if you receive a Los Angeles traffic ticket is get an experienced lawyer to represent you in court.
Connect with a Good Source of Effective Ticket-Defense Strategies
Coming to court with persuasive evidence is the best way to convince the judge that you had no intention to break the law. Get informed. An experienced red light ticket lawyer will be familiar with the workings of your local traffic court and will also know what works and what doesn’t. At the Ticket clinic, we have some of the most experienced and successful lawyers who will fight your ticket for you in court and protect your license from being penalized. Call us today on 1-800-248-2846 to retain a lawyer today.
