Fine Reduction for CVC 21453a in Alameda Court

[johnnydeep]

My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: Oakland, California

Hi, I recently got a photo ticket for violating cvc21453A in Oakland. The fact was the video shows I didn't stop before making a right turn at red light.

Since the picture and video are clear, I have no intention to contest it, so I have decided to pay the bail and go to traffic school.

However, I am currently unemployed and I find the bail amount of $520 (if attend traffic school) is outrageously high. I heard that if you appear in court and talk to the judge, he/she may reduce your fine amount, does anyone have any experience with that, especially in the courts in Oakland? Or if anyone knows the chance of getting fine reduction? If so, how would the procedure be like?

I read here that some people go to the court and the judge does it automatically, while some has to talk. If I have to talk, what reasons should I use to ask for fine reduction? (e.g. unemployed status? 1st time offense? red turn instead of running light?)

Thank you very much.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Does the ticket include the address of the court? If so, by the court address does it say something like "Do not contact the court"? It doesn't sound like it from what you've stated so far, but I wanted to rule out the possibility that this is a "snitch ticket".

How many days after the infraction did you receive the ticket?

[johnnydeep]

Yeah, it shows the address and contact info of the court, and it was issued within the 2 weeks limit.

[sniper]

Stop light citations are mandatory fines leaving the judge with no authority to lower the fine. I have, however, seen one judge throw authority out the window and he lowered one for a senior citizen on Social Security. I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask the judge in court.

[johnnydeep]

What is the best way to ask then?

[adam_]

Go to the website for the court and see if they have local rules posted. I've seen some that have a process for 'financial hardship'...