The state of Florida recently passed a new law that allows municipalities to use red light cameras at traffic intersections. If the camera catches a motorist going through a red light, a ticket is issued and mailed to the owner of the vehicle. A lawsuit has been brought in West Palm Beach for the purpose of invalidating Florida’s red light camera law. The lawsuit claims that individuals are innocent until proven guilty and that the red light camera law violates this basic tenant of criminal justice in the United States.
Guilty Until Proven Innocent
The Florida law went into effect July 1, 2010. Under this new statue, the driver of a motor vehicle either pays a $158 fine or has to submit evidence that he or she was not driving the vehicle at the time of incident. Attorney Abramson claims the driver should not have the burden of proof. The municipality should have to prove that the owner of the vehicle was the operator at the time of the incident. The lawsuit claims that “the presumption of guilt, shifting the burden of proof, violates both the Florida Constitution and the United States Constitution.”
Should you, a family member or a friend have issues with red light tickets, speeding tickets or other types of traffic violations, feel free to contact the traffic attorneys at the Law Offices of Schlissel DeCorpo. We can help you with these matters. Our phone number is 1-800-344-6431, or contact us by email.
