We stopped at the red light to turn right on a legal turn and were stopped by the Police Officer who stated we didn't stop long enough and issued a traffic violation for "non stop at a red traffic light." Any suggestions on how to approach this in Tampa, Florida. Also, can you please help us with suggesting a reasonably priced Traffic Court Attorney for Students? We are in the Tampa, Florida Hillsborough County Area. Thanks all for your time!

God Bless :)

Ah, the California stop.

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Originally Posted by ;

In all countries, the driver must come to a complete stop at a stop sign, even if no other vehicle or pedestrian is visible. However, some drivers practice a maneuver called a rolling stop or nicknamed after a city or region regarded as somewhere it is commonplace (e.g., "Rhode Island roll" or "California stop"[5]) - slowing down significantly but not stopping completely at the sign.[6] This partial stop is not acceptable to most law enforcement officials, and can result in a traffic citation. It is dangerous because pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists are likely to assume that the driver is coming to a full stop and may proceed into the driver's path.

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Find a physics student to testify as an expert witness. If all forward momentum ceases, even for a fraction of a second, you haven't violated the law.

BTW, if Ginger Rogers were still alive, she would be 99, not 77. :)

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Originally Posted by gingerrogers77

Also, can you please help us with suggesting a reasonably priced Traffic Court Attorney for Students?

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Hello g:

I HATE cops, and I LOVE kicking their butts in court... But, my record is NOT 100%. There's those times when I can't win, and/or the cost of winning is just tooooooo high...

If you think you can get a discount BECAUSE you're a student, good luck. However, the recession has probably effected lawyers too, so shop around. But, it would be MY view, that it's going to be MUCH cheaper to plead guilty. If your driving record is good, I doubt your insurance rates will go up as a result of this ticket. Plus, the TIME involved in a trial is excessive... I wouldn't want to spend THAT much time in a courthouse.

But, if you want to fight cause you're right, you have MY support.

excon

Just pay the fine, honestly, at the end of the day, if the officer testifies he say you "roll" though the stop, you will be convicted.

Most people don't completely stop, they think or feel they do, but their car actually merely jerks or they slow up to a almost stop. Only real chance, show up and plead not guilty, if the officer is not present, you ask it to be dismissed.

Think you had a tough break with that cop so if your driving record is good go for a hearing at the r.m.v you may just win good like

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Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

...Most people don't completely stop, they think or feel they do, but their car actually merely jerks or they slow up to a almost stop. ...

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But if you can prove the officer ticketed you because he "stated we didn't stop long enough", it seems like you could beat it. His interpretation of the law is just plain wrong. The judge will know that. It doesn't say you have to remain stopped for any set period. You just have to be completely stopped for at least a single instant.