first off, sorry to those that think I'm not supposed to start a new thread about tickets.

I just got a ticket about 10 min. ago for "running a red" on valley bl and del mar ave. intersection. I am 100% sure i had my whole car pass the crosswalk while it was still yellow. it turned red when i was mid-way past the intersection. Cop was waiting to turn left (worst way to get caught since he sees the green). I usually dont run reds, but I was in a good mood and everything was going my way. No excuse though, I know. So cop pulls me over, and asked if I knew why I was pulled over. I OBVIOUSLY deny anything. He said I ran the red, and I said I thought I had yellow. He said: "nope, I had green before you ran past the crosswalk". That was that. He cited me for running a red, I have until 12/2/08 8am to go to the alhambra courthouse? Now my question is... its my word against his. How likely am I to win the case? Also, any idea how much the ticket is going to be? And if I fight it and lose, can I still request traffic school? I have a clean record and have had a clean record for at least 3 years. Any advice appreciated, and once again, I KNOW I SHOULD NOT HAVE EVEN CONSIDERED RUNNING THE YELLOW.

 

I doubt that it's winnable. Your last sentence kind of covers it.

 

I doubt the you can beat it. Pay up and move on...

 

yeah just pay the fine and consider it a lesson learned

 

NEVER. Always fight every ticket. This is not up for discussion.

 

i fight every ticket that i get

 

Try the "trial by declaration first" Cops hate to write. I worked for me when I got a ticket at ACH on the crotch rocket.

 

thanks for the response guys! one of my friends told me to keep trying to postpone it until I cant postpone it any further. Can I do that? I thought that was only for jury duty? lol

 

I know you can postpone at least once. For some reason, I *almost* think you can do it twice.

 

isn't the point of a yellow "caution and slow down" not "speed up and try to beat it""

 

If you don;t care about your driving record and like to pay as much
as possible for insurance - stick to paying fines. For those of us who
care about our record, schedule a court date. This does not require
an attorney. You will be sent a letter - likely a notice to appear. There
is a Traffic judge who will briefly (we're talkin 5 seconds here) review
your 60 month driving record and establish a penalty based on review.
Likely a fine w no points or driving school (if you;re unlucky). Rarely
will a traffic judge assess points in my experience. This saves your
driving record. I only use attorneys when I receive tickets outside
of my local area, and would not be able to conveniently attend court
dates. MORE QUESTIONS? Keep em coming. I am a semi=pro at this.

 

For what i know, try to schedule to see the judge, if the cop doesn't show up,
you win !

 

It doesn't matter if you were right or wrong, the judge will always believe the officer over you. If you choose to fight it you won't get any leniency on your fine. Just be nice, the judge will reduce the fine. Then do your traffic school and it is wiped clean. Or you can waste a lot of time trying to fight a little ticket like this and still pay a higher fine. Your choice.