My word against the officer's: What can I do/say to convince the judge?

I was recently given a ticket for making an illegal right turn on red, however when I turned, the light was green. There were even other cars going across the intersection. But the officer pulled me over and told me they were "working" that intersection and I made an illegal turn. There aren't any traffic cameras at that intersection so it is basically his word against mine. What can I say to convince the judge that I am telling the truth and the officer made a mistake?
Additional Details
As a note, I was paying very close attention to the light. I'm well aware that there are no right turns on red at that intersection and have seen others pulled over for making one. I had to wait for the cars with the left turn arrow to finish before I could even think about turning,and the cars in the lane next to me were already pulling across the intersection by the time I was able to make the turn.
So unless we all went crazy at once....that light was green.

trooper3316

Many times, the officers working these details have video cameras. Check with the department to see if a video exists. If it does, you can request a copy through Open Records laws. Of course, the camera does not get everything, so even if he had video, you may not be in the field of vision.

I was not there, and your explanation sounds plausible, however... I can tell you from experience, most people I catch violating traffic lights adamantly deny it, until the see the video.

It is common for the officer to be paying closer attention than the motorist. I realize this may not be correct in your case, but the court knows this, so statistics are against you.

wuxxler

Just about the only thing you can say that the judge will believe is "GUILTY"!
Obviously, either you or the officer is mistaken. Since the officer was focused specifically on watching your car and the light to see if you would go through it, he was probably paying more attention than you were. Doesn't mean he is right, but it does mean he is more believable in court.

Kevy

Nothing. There is not much you can do.

lpdhcdh

Just be honest and sincere. Don't get mad or accuse the officer of lying.

We make mistakes sometimes.

ElectronProbabilityCloud

you're screwed.

Bardic

I agree with wuxxler. SInce the officer was specifically looking out for this, it's more likely he was paying attention than you were. That's the way the court is going to look at it, anyway.

SHAY

the judge usually sides with the police. So you dont have a chance.... Just pay the ticket

nitewolf

The officer may have been mistaken. However, unless you have evidence to refute the charges, it is your word against his and who do you think will win?? You can try fighting it and BE RESPECTFUL to both the judge and officer when saying it (Your Honor and Officer), and tell the court that you believe the officer was mistaken. Or you can plead guilty to lesser charge(s).

tammy s

I had the same thing happen to me for a failure to make a complete stop, even though I made a complete stop. The officer was angry and asked me why I was making him stay in court when he was supposed to be at home eating dinner. The judge looked at me like I was crazy. However because I was so adamant about my innocence the judge let me make payments on ticket and promised it would not be on driving record, and it hasn't. GOOD LUCK

JOLLADY

never say the police are lying. make sure you say he was mistaken. tell the truth. but judges go with the cops most of the time, dont be suprised if they rule against you.

D squared

Were there no "right on red signs posted"? If so it may be harder to convince the Judge. If there are none, I would take a picture of the intersection and show the Judge. I say be sincere, don't accuse the Officer of lying etc. I would also point out to the Judge that the fact you came to court to plead your case when you did not have to, should show the passion for which you believe to be innocent. Stranger things have happened, the Judge may drop the ticket. Good luck

*****

Just tell the truth, and hope the judge see through the officer's lies, if they are indeed lies.

spkultr

one thing about your story bother me
lights usually go from green, to yellow, to red
now, from red to green means you were already stopped
at the intersection, right.
did you see a green light, or were you watching
the opposing traffic light, anticipating their yellow light,
assuming that when their yellow turned to red, yours must be
green by now??????????? a little quick on the throttle, maybe. thank god no pedestrians were involved.

nostradamus02012

it's just possible that all you will need to do is show up.

often cops are simply too busy to personally deal with each traffic ticket that they issue.

if the cop doesn't show, you may win the case.

if the cop does show, you probably won't - as a cop is regarded as a 'professional witness.'

Peter Gozinya

Don't waste your breath......the judge will ALWAYS beleive
the cop's rendition of what happened, even if he, or she,
is lying-through-their-teeth - - which they have been known
to do.....!!!!!!! (and they wonder, why..............)

bobby v

Pretty much nothing.

utpyrobabe

I'm sorry, I don't see any dates posted with the comments - did you go to court? What was the outcome?

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