The emergence of red-light cameras brought with it many frustrations. Typically, the allowance of red light cameras is determined in local elections. And like a politician, it’s always running for re-election. So, what should you do if you’re unfortunate enough to receive a red light tickets Texas?
Red Light Tickets Texas
In Texas, you might receive red light tickets for:
- camera evidence of running a red light
- police witness running a red light
- right-on-red rule
Camera Evidence of Running a Red Light
More often than not, red light tickets Texas are issued from a stationary red light camera. Depending on the county, these red-light cameras may or may not be active. Many counties in Texas keep activating and de-activating their red-light cameras as a result of the previous election. However, for this reason, negotiations often prove fruitful. If you have received a red light ticket from a camera, we will negotiate for a ticket dismissal on your behalf.
Police Witness or Running a Red Light
If you are unlucky enough to run a red light in front of an officer, more than likely, he will pull you over and issue a citation. The issue then becomes, did you really run a red light, or did the officer just think you did?
Just because you may have been in the intersection when the light turned red doesn’t mean you ran a red light. Technically speaking, if your back car tires pass the “stop line” (aka the solid white line at an intersection) before the light turns red, you are in the clear. Depending upon the circumstances surrounding your ticket, we will seek to either have the charges reduced or dropped.
Right-on-Red Rule
In Texas, you may make a right turn on a red light if the following conditions are upheld:
- you exercise caution
- follow the normal right-of-way rules
- the vehicle comes to a complete stop before proceeding with the right turn
If any of the conditions are not met, you are subject to receiving a red light ticket. Commonly, these types of red light tickets are issued for drivers using a “California stop” at a red light. It’s important to take a second, let the car stop, and then continue with the turn. Should you receive a ticket for a right-on-red, we will negotiate with the county to drop or reduce the charges on your behalf.
Consequences of Paying Fines
You may be tempted to pay your red light ticket fine outright. This is wrong; do not give in to this temptation. By paying the fine outright you are:
- waiving your right to contest
- admitting guilt
Consequentially, your ticket(s) will be added to your permanent driving record. Once your permanent driving record is updated, your driving insurance rate is subject to increase from 10%-30% for the foreseeable future. We will seek to avoid this by negotiationing with the county for dismissal or deferred deposition.
Generally, deferred deposition is extended as a compromise by the county. The court will not find you guilty on the condition you met specific requirements, including:
- a clean driving record during the deferral period (usually 3-6 months)
- timely completion of a driver’s safety course
Seek Representation
We know what a headache red light tickets Texas are. We will negotiate with the county on your behalf for dismissal or deferred disposition. We’re here to help you avoid the long last consequences of traffic violations. Give us a call for a free consultation, and we’ll begin strategizing your defense.
It may seem counter-intuitive to hire an attorney on traffic violations but that in most cases it will save you money. If your cases get dismissed then you will own no court cost or fines. Even if the traffic violations are not dismissed, you will still save money since we frequently avoid a conviction. In traffic ticket cases, a conviction will result in points on your driving record, a spike in monthly insurance premiums, and may even result in your license getting suspended. We can always reduce fines on traffic tickets and we are able to take care of your case from start to finish without you ever having to appear in court. To find out how we can help you, contact our traffic attorneys at (512)-400-7070 for Red Light Tickets Texas defense. We will schedule an initial client consultation to review your citation details and lay out a game plan for speeding ticket Texas.
We understand times are tough and that there probably hasn’t been a tougher time in your life. Although we could get away with charging exuberant amounts, we prefer not to as we are a law firm by the people, for the people. We do not want you to worry about whether you can afford to hire an attorney to protect and defend your rights. Call us and be surprised at the quality you receive compared to what other law firms will quote you!
Accordingly, the attorneys at AZ Law Firm will always provide you with a free initial consultation. During this initial consultation, our criminal lawyers will evaluate your case, inform you of any legal options that may be available, and allow you to ask any questions that you may have. AZ Law Firm offers affordable rates for all our clients and will work with you on payment plans. Our firm accepts checks, debit cards, and most major credit cards to cover the costs of your legal representation.
