I received my first-ever traffic ticket on February 3, 2010. I mailed in a plea of "Not Guilty" and after receiving a response back, mailed in an Application for Reduction of Charges. The original charge was for running a red light (3pts) and was reduced to ignoring a traffic control device (2pts). I did not agree with the reduction but instead of returning a response I went to my court appointment which was just a few days later. I went to court on April 20 and again made a plea of "Not Guilty" and am waiting for a letter in the mail.
I believe the officer misinterpreted the situation he ticketed me for. I was 1/8 mile away from home in a rural area at an intersection I cross multiple times per day. There is a road running parallel to the intersection so when you cross it (towards my house) the intersection is much deeper than a traditional intersection as it leads into a "T" intersection to branch off to the left or right. I was following the line of traffic and the truck in front of me going straight, decided to stop in the intersection as the light was changing and change directions. He eventually headed left and since I was in the intersection behind him I had to move so cars could go by. The officer wasn't facing the intersection, he was facing the crossover and so he probably assumed I ran the red light but if he had seen what had happened, I'm sure he would've either let it go, or went after the truck that was in front of me.
Do I have a chance of fighting this ticket? It has been almost three months since my ticket, I have never received a ticket before or had criminal charges, and I will be bringing photos of the intersection and officers point of view to my trial.
Town of Oneonta, Otsego County, NY 13820
Pulled over by a State Police Officer
Thanks for your help!
I believe the officer misinterpreted the situation he ticketed me for. I was 1/8 mile away from home in a rural area at an intersection I cross multiple times per day. There is a road running parallel to the intersection so when you cross it (towards my house) the intersection is much deeper than a traditional intersection as it leads into a "T" intersection to branch off to the left or right. I was following the line of traffic and the truck in front of me going straight, decided to stop in the intersection as the light was changing and change directions. He eventually headed left and since I was in the intersection behind him I had to move so cars could go by. The officer wasn't facing the intersection, he was facing the crossover and so he probably assumed I ran the red light but if he had seen what had happened, I'm sure he would've either let it go, or went after the truck that was in front of me.
Do I have a chance of fighting this ticket? It has been almost three months since my ticket, I have never received a ticket before or had criminal charges, and I will be bringing photos of the intersection and officers point of view to my trial.
Town of Oneonta, Otsego County, NY 13820
Pulled over by a State Police Officer
Thanks for your help!
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