Steps To Fight a Red Light Traffic Violation Ticket

Among traffic violations in the United States, a red light traffic violation is one of the most commonly issued tickets. However, if you follow due process, a red light violation can also be one of the easiest tickets to has dismissed from the courts. Assuming that you feel wrongfully accused of the infraction against you, there are a few simple steps that you can follow to have your ticket thrown away.

Fighting a Red Light Traffic Violation Ticket

The first and most important step to fighting your ticket is you must show up on time to court date as scheduled.
Once at the courts, seek out the prosecuting attorney and ask to speak to him about the possibility of dismissal.
If you have a relatively clear driving record with no previous history of red light infractions you may be in luck. When a prosecuting attorney sees a clean driving record, he is much more likely to dismiss a citation on site then he would be otherwise.
If the prosecutor declines your request for dismissal, he may be able to defer action on the ticket, usually for a term of six months. At the end of your first six month deferral, granted that you acquire no further citations, the prosecutor may be willing to dismiss your ticket. If not you can request another six month deferral of action or request that your case be sent to trial.
Whether your infraction was record by an officer, a sheriff’s deputy or a photo enforced intersection camera will determine who else is required to appear at your trial. If you were ticketed by anything other then an intersection camera, that person's presence is required at your trial. If he doesn’t show you will be able to request dismissal “with prejudice”, which is basically just fancy legal speak that means this case will become ineligible to be refiled.

Getting Help

The assistance of an experienced traffic attorney can also be important when you want to fight a red light traffic violation ticket. Your attorney can talk to the prosecutor for you about arranging a deal or not prosecuting the case. He can also assist you in proving your innocence to the judge or in plea bargaining the ticket down to a less serious offense so you protect your driving record.

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