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Asked in California, United States |
Mar 8, 2024traffic violation that occurred in Sacramento, California
On the day in question, I was cited for allegedly running a red light. The citation was unexpected, as I believed I had entered the intersection during the yellow phase. Furthermore, the intersection is equipped with a traffic camera, which I assume has captured the incident. I am concerned about the accuracy of this evidence and its interpretation under local traffic laws.
Given the potential consequences of this citation, including the impact on my driving record and the significant fines involved, I believe professional legal representation is necessary to navigate this situation. I am particularly interested in understanding the following:
The possibility and process of challenging the traffic camera evidence and the citation.
The potential defenses that could be applicable in my case, considering the specifics of the location and circumstances.
The steps involved in the legal process to contest this violation and the expected timeline.
An estimate of the legal fees and any additional costs associated with your representation.
I am eager to address this matter promptly and effectively, with your guidance. Could you please provide me with some initial advice on my situation and the feasibility of contesting the citation?
Lawyer Replies
Posted on Mar 10, 2024
I had a client, let's call him Mike, who was in almost the same boat—tagged by a traffic camera for something he was pretty sure he didn't do.
First off, yes, you can definitely challenge traffic camera evidence. It's not uncommon, and sometimes these cases have a twist. For Mike, we requested a copy of the traffic camera footage to review the timing of the lights and his vehicle's position in the intersection. You'd be surprised how often these systems aren't perfectly calibrated.
Now, diving into the potential defenses, it really hinges on the specifics of your case. One angle could be to question the reliability and accuracy of the camera system. Was it functioning correctly at the time? Is there clear evidence that it was you driving? For Mike, we found that the timestamp on the footage didn't quite line up with the citation details.
As for the legal process to contest the violation, it typically starts with pleading not guilty and requesting a court date. From there, it's about preparing your defense, which might involve gathering evidence like the camera footage, witness statements, or even expert testimony about the traffic lights' timing. The timeline can vary, but you're looking at several weeks to a few months, generally speaking.
Regarding costs, legal fees can range quite a bit based on the complexity of the case and the lawyer's rate. Mike's case wasn't too complicated, so the costs were on the lower end, but it's something you'll want to discuss upfront with any lawyer you're considering.
The key takeaway? Don't just accept the citation if you genuinely believe there's a mistake. With the right approach and evidence, you've got a shot at contesting it. My advice: reach out to a local Sacramento lawyer who's experienced with traffic violations. They can give you a more precise game plan after looking into the specifics of your case.
So, hang in there and get in touch with a good lawyer who can navigate the nitty-gritty of Sacramento's traffic laws. You're taking the right step by seeking professional guidance on this.
Hope that helps and best of luck tackling this citation!