Friday, April 15, 2011

St. Petersburg To Add Red Light Cameras

St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses St. Petersburg’s plan to move ahead with a Red Light Camera program.

Issue:

St. Petersburg City Council members recently voted to refer the matter of Red Light Cameras to Mayor Bill Foster who has been on record supporting the program.  While mostly procedural, it means that St. Petersburg will very likely implement Red Light Cameras in the near future.



Why This Matters To You:

Red Light Cameras identify drivers who have run a red light by snapping a picture of their vehicle license plate and the driver to properly identify the traffic offender.  St. Petersburg plans to implement Red Light Cameras on at least 19 intersections in the city.

Drivers caught running a red light by the system will be issued a $158 fine.  If the fine is not paid, the driver may have their license suspended.  Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (DWLSR) is a very serious crime and carries with it potential jail sentences and fines.  Red Light Cameras and the automated system of issuing tickets from these systems increases the chances that drivers may be charged with DWLSR.

Additionally, Red Light Camera systems are not foolproof.  In some cases the Red Light Camera may not be able to effectively identify the driver or the license plate.  As well, traffic conditions and circumstances beyond the driver’s control may have affected a driver who has been cited by a Red Light Camera.




What To Do Next:

If you have been fined for any traffic infraction including running a red light, contact a St. Petersburg Traffic Attorney to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case.  Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss your case directly with an attorney, or fill out our Online Form to be contacted for a Free Initial Consultation.  The Morris Law Firm can help and has specific knowledge and experience in traffic offenders throughout Pinellas County and the entire Tampa Bay, FL Area (St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Bradenton, Manatee, and Sarasota).

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