Why do you believe that?

In any case, she should count herself lucky for not running into someone and putting them in the hospital.

 

My thoughts exactly!

The lights are there for a reason..to keep everyone on the road safe.

I think it's idiotic to run a red light and even more stupid to whine about it when you get caught. I cannot understand these people who think they can do what ever they want and get away with it by hiring a lawyer. (yes, I know, that is the system in US but it sucks big time IMHO).

To the original poster; how would you feel if it was your wife walking on the road and someone running a red light hit her... Think about it!

 

Drivers like that shouldn't think they will be dealing with someone that will accept an insurance payout and a "I'm sorry". Trust me on that one...and I'd take his slime ball lawyer with him.

 

I do have a background in traffic engineering, and how to design an intersection. I myself still want to see the intersection in person before making my final judgment. It's quite possible that the ticket was issued in error. If in fact my wife was wrong, I will pay the fine and count my blessings nothing happened.

However, may cities in the US are broke, and need additional monies. Most people simple pay the fine, even though they are in the right to simply avoid the inconvenience of the process.
From my initial finding, using google maps, the intersection has a protected left hand turn and another light for thru traffic. I believe that the officer saw the protected turn light as red and issued the ticket in error.
My wife was the only vehicle on the road at the time with no pedestrians waiting to utilize the crosswalk.
By posting, I was simple looking for advice on how to build a case to try to fight the ticket. Like many situations, innocent people are found guilty, and vice versa. It's not a perfect system, but the US system is best in my opinion.
After I take a look at the intersection, I will know better today, and will share my finding.

 

If it is a camera ticket, I read an article within the last couple of months claiming that these type tickets are not enforceable. That the fines are "voluntary."

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul...meras-20110727

 

Are you proposing to bribe police officers to get away with traffic infractions? I find that disturbing.

 

Ethics and morals are a rare quality in some, possibly many.

 

Not saying I agree with it, but corruption is a very effective tool to wield when you are working within a supremely corrupt system. Google "causes of the 2008 Financial crises" for more related reading on the same subject. Two wrongs don't make a right. But when two hundred million do the wrong, it becomes the standard operating procedure.

"The ethical person living in an unethical society is the one only one who will be caught without a chair when the music stops." - Author Unknown

 

so it was a red light ticket? Or a cop?

 

It was a ticket issued by a police officer. I took a look at the intersection, and I am now sure the ticket was issued in error.

Actually while driving down the freeway and in the city of L.A. I managed to see over 20 cops on Sunday. The Hwy Patrol actually had a radar car with 3 patrol cars waiting to issue tickets on the 710.

The state must be in dire need for cash.

The crappy part is I am finding out I have to pay the fine and wait for a refund at the end.

Now I am somewhat upset because I have to spend time to fight the ticket. Sometimes I wish I was a police so I could professional courtesy. Some of the stories I hear from cops and what they get away with makes me sad.....

 

You still haven't said why you think the ticket was issued in error. Where was the cop waiting or was he following your wife's car.

 

Must be an East Coast thing. Let's see.... risk a career for a gift card to Red Lobster.

The City of Los Angeles no longer uses red light camera.

If she feels it was a bad ticket, fight it. That is what court is for. I would rather go down fighting than roll over. Good luck.

 

Chuck is so out with the times...Being a LAPD Captain must have really mess with his memory of "All You Can Eat Crab Leg Mondays" at Red Lobster. So warm and that hot butter...

I would throw it all away for just one of those cheese rolls.

 

The reason I feel the ticket was issued in error was because there was a protected left turn and a dedicated light for thru traffic. I believe the officer saw the red light for the dedicated turn and gave the ticket to my wife. From what I understand the officer was in a alleyway.

And I think Chuck is correct, who would be crazy enough to risk their career for Red Lobster.

I think I am just going to have my wife pay the ticket and traffic school it. Hopefully she will not have to go to LA ever again.

Thanks everyone for your input.