Red Light Cameras Found Unconstitutional in Florida Judge's Ruling

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Not only did a man in Pasco County, Florida, feel it was wrong for his license plate to be taken by a traffic camera placed to catch people running red lights, but he also felt it was wrong constitutionally. A judge has given a ruling that backs up Thomas Filippone. “This is a matter of unalienable rights,” said personal injury lawyer Michael Ehline, a California lawyer who deals with traffic incidents. “Let’s hope it happens in LA as well,” said Ehline.

As reported by the Tampa Bay Tribune, a $158 traffic ticket was given to Filippone that he is refusing to pay. He also plans to start being extra careful at red lights:

Ehline agrees with Filippone, 45, who feels that under the law, it is their [govt's] duty to prove the identity of the person driving the vehicle. He states his 2002 Nissan Altima had just crossed the intersection an instant before the light changed to red on April 15. Filippone feels it is unjust how the burden of proving the case is shifted to his shoulders. When Filippone brought his case before Pasco County Judge, Anne Wansboro, not only agreed but also dismissed the case. Judge Wansboro stated the way the burden of proof is shifted to the defendant from the use of the cameras is impermissible. She states the use of the cameras is unconstitutional and does not warrant due process.

The case, however, is not entirely closed. According to the Tribune, a motion has not been filed to remove the traffic camera, and they are still in place. (King George would be proud.) Some city officials in the county will also file appeals against the decision made by Wansboro. City Manager, Tom O’Neill, states that they are not in agreement with the judge’s decision. He also stated there was no notification of a constitutional challenge given to the city about the cameras on two red lights located on U.S. 19. The position of the city officials is they were not given due process, which eliminated their opportunity to speak.

Joe Poblick, Port Richey city attorney, said the Florida Attorney General’s Office has been notified of the judge’s ruling. Any time the statutes of a state are an issue of constitutionality, it is a requirement to notify the attorney general. The cameras are still being used; however, the proceedings are being closely watched as they go through the appeals process by city officials of other counties in Florida. Filippone believes the Pasco ruling stands, and it’s doubtful he’ll get any more red light tickets. He also plans to fight another ticket regarding the very same issue using the ruling. “If SEIU govt employees want to keep milking taxpayers, they will have to do it another way, said personal injury lawyer Michael Ehline of Ehline Law Firm.”

Sources:

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/florida-judge-ruling-finds-red-light-cameras-unconstitutional/