Woodland Hills, CA asked in Traffic Tickets for California

Q: i rec'vd 2 red light camera tickets same day. I'm not sure if I should plead NOLO due to an emergency medical situation.

I was starting to aspirate in my sleep which was extremely dangerous - it only happened sporadically and I sought out medical attention. The condition got worse and they found out that I had another condition that was causing this but they were against operating due to a diagnosis that had no cure. I moved up here in November -. As I was driving I began to choke, I pulled right when it was safe to do so, and got extremely sick. The Camera flashed. A few hours later the same incident happened again. I found out that I would need several surgeries as my quality of life was becoming nonexistent and I was in grave danger. With the help of many doctors we found a surgeon that would do 3 complex surgeries to save my life. I have no idea if I should plead NOLO, hopefully get one ticket erased and ask for a reduced fine on the other and traffic school. I have an excellent driving record. Since the surgeries I have not had any complications and am truly blessed to be alive

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
Answered
  • Traffic Tickets Lawyer
  • Newport Beach, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: A: The plea of "No Lo Contrendre" is misunderstood. It means I do not contest the charge but I do not plead guilty. Its only value is if the ticket was issued to you as a part of a traffic accident because there is NO guilty plea or JUDGMENT to the charge which can be used against you in a Civil Lawsuit over the accident. IMO, you should plead Not Guilty and go to trial on the tickets with your evidence to see if the Court will find you were physically incapacitated at the time of the infraction. The Court may also consider whether there was an emergency condition that excused you. But having 2 tickets, same violation is not so good for you. You were in no condition to be behind the wheel and should have been using Uber or Lyft or ?. When at trial, you should speak to the officer or the City Attorney to seek a reduction in the charge and fine. Or you could hire an Attorney that specializes in Traffic representation, such as Patricia Wagner (look her up on Cal bar website) and she will deal with these tickets for you.

Justia disclaimers below, incorporated herein.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.