Waved down by cop, no right turn on red

Question

I recently received a traffic citation for disregarding a "no right turn on red" sign at a stoplight here around the university of Texas in Austin. The cop was on a parallel street west of me when I pulled up to the stop light. I saw the cop pull out and begin to pull over a guy in a truck in front of me for actually turning when the light was red. Then the light turned green for me a few seconds after and I turned. After passing under a light or two all the while following behind the cop in the process of pulling over the other vehicle, I was about to pass him and he switched into my lane and waved at me to turn right onto a street that the primary vehicle had just turned and he proceeded to write us both tickets. I told him that the light had turned green, and I don't know how he could possibly think he saw me turn on a red when his back was facing me when I made the turn. But trying to tell a cop they're wrong is impossible, they're too arrogant and full of themselves to believe that they could be wrong. (I'd leave that part out in court) Any suggestions for when I go in to fight this ticket? Thanks.

Answer 1

Years ago I got a citation for passing a stopped school bus.  The cop was coming up behind the bus.  As I approached the bus I slowed down just in case he was going to stop.  He did not stop until after I had passed the bus and the kids that were waiting on the other side of the road.  I fought the ticket and the judge through it out because the cop was not in a situation to actually tell if I was past the bus before the bus stopped.  I was furious because I had been so cautious.  I was not in the wrong.  I won the case.  Be mannerly and courteous to the judge.  It sounds like you have a case to me.  

Good luck

Answer 2

Based on my experience, go in and state your case without any attitude.  Judges don't like attitude.  Of course, appearance matters, so be neat and pressed.  You're probably not going to get the ticket revoked, but he/she may waive any points against your license. Be prepared to pay the ticket and hopefully avoid the points.  And be sure to pay any outstanding tickets on your car or license in advance of going to court.

Answer 3

If you have a good record. Tell the judge your story and that you are prepared to plead "No contest" to a 12 month suspended sentence. if he accepts you go on your mary way  so long as you don't get a ticket in 12 months your scott free

Answer 4

Did you ever stop and think that maybe your concentration on the light, the don't turn on red sign, the guy in the truck being pulled over and the cop could have played a roll in your misjudgment of your right to proceed. I doubt if you can beat the ticket.