Ticket-U turn on red light-PLS HELP

[fairywho]

CaliforniaWhat is the name of your state?CA
Hi, I just got a ticket for making a U-trun at an intersection. I am confident the light just turned yellow as I made the turn and didn't turn red untill I completed the turn (I had three passengers who agree), however, the police officer produced a ticket for turning on the red light. DO I HAVE A CASE? what is the penalty? how do I proceed? I have no previous record and live in California. (the intersection had a No U-turn sign which was completely in the dark and noone in the car saw it, and the officer didn't ticket me for that, and there is no mention of it on the ticket).
THanks a million for the help.
Jasmine

Go to library, get copy of Fight Your Ticket. That will help a lot.

NACOL.

[JETX]

Originally Posted by fairywho

DO I HAVE A CASE?

Yes, you do have a case.... as everyone does. The only question is do you have a DEFENSE?
Based on your post, it is simply your word against the officers. Your friends will be seen as biased.... and unless all of you were in a convertible, they couldn't see the light anyway. Further, unless everyone happened to be looking at the light at the time (very unlikely), their statements are useless.
With that, I would be very surprised if your 'defense' would be successful.

what is the penalty?

Contact the court.

how do I proceed?

Depends on what you want to do. Contact the court to schedule a hearing to present your defense, or to pay the fine.

[lwpat]

and the officer didn't ticket me for that

How do you know? Have you checked the statute?

In about two weeks you should receive a courtesy notice that will tell you the amount of the fine and if you are eligible for traffic school. Most people in similar circumastances chose traffic school to keep the violation off their record. Best bet is to show up on your court date. If the officer doesn't show make a motion for dismissal. Otherwise take school.

[CdwJava]

What statute were you cited for? Please provide the exact section.

- Carl