Eric Skager Law helps defend people in High Point when they get a traffic ticket or some other driving infraction. When you’re in a rush, you might find yourself in a situation where you run a red light. It’s frustrating, but you have the right to challenge it. My firm can help you through the legal process and work toward the best possible outcome for your license. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your options.
Should You Get a Lawyer If You’re Ticketed For Running a Red Light?
A ticket for running a red light might seem minor, but it can carry pretty serious punishments like fines, points on your license, and increased insurance rates if you’re in an accident. If you find yourself in this situation, you have options to defend yourself. At that point, you might be wondering if you should get a lawyer to help. Here’s how my firm can help you in this situation:
- Guidance and support – We’ll walk you through the legal process, explain your rights, and help you understand your options.
- Reviewing evidence – We look at traffic camera footage, officer reports, and other evidence, then pick it apart to help your case.
- Defending you – We challenge evidence, spot procedural mistakes, and negotiate for reduced penalties, doing everything possible to lessen the impact of your ticket.
Don’t let a poor decision impact your future. If you’ve gotten a ticket for running a red light, my firm will be there to defend you. But even a strong defense has a starting point, and unfortunately, that means you’ve been pulled over for running a red light.
What Should You Do After Getting a Ticket For Running a Red Light?
Every driver in High Point knows they shouldn’t run a red light. But certain traffic situations may cause you to do this accidentally–or as is more often the case, you’re just in a rush and trying to beat the changing light. Whatever the scenario is, if a police officer catches you (or you’re caught by a traffic cam), you are probably going to be pulled over and issued a ticket. At that point, you need to know what to do:
- Review the ticket – Look over the details of the ticket, which should list the violation, fine, and any court deadlines. If there’s a court date, mark it down.
- Take next steps – With the ticket, you can either pay the fine and close the process–but that also means you are admitting guilt and it could add points to your license. On the other hand, you can decide to challenge the ticket in front of a judge.
- Get your own proof – If you decide to fight the ticket, get evidence like pictures or videos of the intersection and traffic light, witness statements, or even dashcam footage.
Missing deadlines can mean extra fines or even a suspended license, so don’t wait. More importantly, though, handling the situation properly can protect your record and prevent higher insurance rates.
How Can You Challenge a Charge of Running a Red Light?
Unlike a lot of other traffic violations, running a red light is pretty straightforward in terms of your liability. But getting caught running a red light doesn’t automatically mean you have to accept the ticket. There are several ways to challenge it and potentially reduce or dismiss the charge:
- Question the details of the ticket – Officers can make mistakes. If they misjudged when the light changed or didn’t see the full situation, you might be able to challenge the ticket. Also, if the ticket has the wrong location, time, or vehicle details, you may have grounds to get it dismissed.
- Use further visual evidence – Dashcam footage, security camera recordings, or photos of the intersection could show that the light was still yellow when you entered or that something blocked your view.
- Get statements from witnesses – If passengers, other drivers, or pedestrians saw what happened and can back up your story, their statements could help your case.
- Explain your situation – If you ran the light to avoid an accident or due to an emergency, proving that your actions weren’t reckless could help reduce or dismiss the charge.
- Challenge other infractions – Red light tickets sometimes come with other infractions, like speeding or failing to yield. If one of those charges is incorrect–like an unclear speed limit sign–you might weaken the case against you.
Every case is different, but understanding the legal process and knowing your options can help you fight the charge and reduce the impact it has on your life. But it’s equally important to know what you’re facing. That’s where my firm comes in.
Contact Eric Skager Law After a Red Light Violation in High Point
If you’ve been charged with running a red light in High Point, taking the right steps can make a significant difference in how the situation plays out. You have certain rights to a defense, and having a strong defense can reduce your charge–or even get it dismissed altogether.
At Eric Skager Law, we understand how traffic court works and what you can do to get a better outcome for your charges. If you’ve been charged with running a red light or some other traffic violation, don’t hesitate to contact my firm today for a free consultation.
