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Ok.. before you crucify me please let me share my case:
Simple story: I ran a red light in D.C. and got picture and video taken.
What happend:
I am new to D.C.
11pm at night, I was driving in the lane that was straight way in the current block.
After I passed this block, this same lane became left turn only lane and red light is on for the left turn only. It was still green light for going straight.
I need to go straight, but I wasn't able to change lane until I pass the left turn only line because the cars next to me won't let me in.
The camera picture showed I run the left turn only red light.
I'd like to see if I can fight for this ticket.
Hopefully, I can find a good traffic lawyer or attorney in D.C. that can deal with this situation.
Anyone has any recommendation on traffic lawyers in D.C.?
Look, the light for your lane was red. Regardless of whether or not you meant to be in that lane, and regardless of how long you've lived here, your vehicle was supposed to be at a full stop.
The courts only accept appeals of red-light tickets if there are extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances means a situation in which violating the traffic signals cannot be avoided, like a funeral procession,your vehicle was stolen, or emergency vehicles were approaching with their sirens on. In your case, your situation was completely avoidable. You could have simply made the turn dictated by your lane when the light changed, and driven 'round the block. I really don't know where the notion came from that your navigational error means you can break the law to get back to where you intended.
Of course there's nothing to stop you from requesting a hearing but you will lose. Traffic court doesn't require attorneys to represent you. Most people represent themselves. If you hire a lawyer, you'll likely pay five times more than the ticket in attorney's fees.
Look, the light for your lane was red. Regardless of whether or not you meant to be in that lane, and regardless of how long you've lived here, your vehicle was supposed to be at a full stop.
The courts only accept appeals of red-light tickets if there are extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances means a situation in which violating the traffic signals cannot be avoided, like a funeral procession,your vehicle was stolen, or emergency vehicles were approaching with their sirens on. In your case, your situation was completely avoidable. You could have simply made the turn dictated by your lane when the light changed, and driven 'round the block. I really don't know where the notion came from that your navigational error means you can break the law to get back to where you intended.
Of course there's nothing to stop you from requesting a hearing but you will lose. Traffic court doesn't require attorneys to represent you. Most people represent themselves. If you hire a lawyer, you'll likely pay five times more than the ticket in attorney's fees.
Well said.... And Cityjoe, you will also be charged court fees too after you loose the case. My suggestion is pay the fine, and view it as a lesson learned.
I don't like red light cameras but kodaka said it perfectly. You're not going to win. I also suggest that you just pay the fine.
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