Sunday, May 19, 2013 | 6:24 a.m.
Hi, (not you?) | Member Center | Sign Out
Posted: 3:55 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, 2013
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Thousands of people have been caught running red lights, later getting a $158 ticket in the mail. But new numbers from across the state show a majority of drivers who have challenged the tickets actually got them dismissed.
More than 20,000 Floridians took a chance at paying a higher fine of $262 by challenging the ticket in court, and 70 percent of those won their case.
Attorneys at the Ticket Clinic in Orlando have handled up to 1,000 red light camera cases in the last two years.
When asked how many times he wins, attorney Matthew Aungst said, “Every time.”
Aungst showed WFTV a court docket regarding red light tickets in the city of Orlando.
“This is 47 names on this particular day, and all these cases were dismissed,” Aungst said.
Attorneys are finding one of the reasons the tickets are getting tossed is because the video recorded at the intersection can't even be submitted in court as evidence.
Attorneys told WFTV the reason why deals with the fact that the video can't be authenticated by a witness, like an officer who actually saw the driver run the red light.
So, for all the cases Aungst’s has handled, the tickets get thrown out.
“Because those evidentiary rules apply to every case, it makes it easier on the court system to just handle it in bulk,” he said.
And with attorney fees less than $90, it could be beneficial for most people who received the tickets.
Local attorneys told WFTV they expect to handle more red light camera tickets this year, especially after Orange County installs 40 more cameras before the end of 2013.
© 2013 Cox Media Group. By using this website,
you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices
.
Already have an account? Sign In
{* #registrationForm *} {* traditionalRegistration_displayName *} {* traditionalRegistration_emailAddress *} {* traditionalRegistration_password *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirm *}Already have an account? Sign In
{* #registrationFormBlank *} {* registration_firstName *} {* registration_lastName *} {* traditionalRegistration_displayName *} {* traditionalRegistration_emailAddressBlank *} {* registration_birthday *} {* registration_gender *} {* registration_postalZip *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordBlank *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirmBlank *} {* agreeToTerms *}We have sent you a confirmation email. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account.
We look forward to seeing you frequently. Visit us and sign in to update your profile, receive the latest news and keep up to date with mobile alerts.
Don't worry, it happens. We'll send you a link to create a new password.
{* #forgotPasswordForm *} {* forgotPassword_emailAddress *}We have sent you an email with a link to change your password.
We've sent an email with instructions to create a new password. Your existing password has not been changed.
To sign in you must verify your email address. Fill out the form below and we'll send you an email to verify.
{* #resendVerificationForm *} {* resendVerification_emailAddress *}Check your email for a link to verify your email address.

You're Almost Done!
Select a display name and password
{* #socialRegistrationForm *} {* socialRegistration_displayName *} {* socialRegistration_emailAddress *} {* traditionalRegistration_password *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirm *}Tell us about yourself
{* registration_firstName *} {* registration_lastName *} {* registration_postalZip *} {* registration_birthday *} {* registration_gender *} {* agreeToTerms *}