I live in Los Angeles and recently got a moving violation for going
through a stop sign.  What is the best way to deal with the ticket, so
that I don't have to pay for the high fee.

There is a very simple way to avoid the costs of a stop sign ticket -
don't run stop signs!

I see we have a wise guy.  Running a stop sign, and a 'rolling stop'
are two different things.  If I do not come to a 'complete' stop, a
ticket for 'running a stop sign' should not be issued.

I don't see why a ticket should not be issued.  There are too many
d**ned bad drivers out there.  They need to learn their lessons.  Stop
means stop, not slow down!

Hello takeaguess-ga,

Here's some information from the LAPD website:

"How can I contest a traffic citation?
A person who receives a traffic citation may contest it by going to
the court he/she is cited to (listed on the citation) and posting bail
(paying the amount of the citation). After the person has posted bail,
the court clerk will assign a court date. On the specified date, the
person will be able to plead his/her case before a judge and question
the officer. If the judge rules in the person?s favor, the bail they
posted will be refunded.  Additional information can be obtained by
calling the Los Angeles Municipal Court Traffic Information and
Payment Center at 213-742-1884."


To find this information, go to the LAPD website at http://www.lapdonline.com/ .

Click on FAQs in the menu on the left side of the page.  Then click on
"Traffic/Vehicle-Related Questions."


You may also want to take at look at the LA Superior Court website
http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/traffic/ .

Click on "Options for Handling a Citation" in the menu on the left
side of the page.

"Options for Handling a Citation

Request An Extension 

Obtain Proof Of Corrections: Mechanical, Registration, License And
Insurance Violations

Sign Up For Traffic School 

Schedule An Arraignment Court Date 

Post Bail For A Trial 

Pay The Citation"


Good Luck,
Googlenut

In order to be convicted of the offence the prosecution must prove :
1. Time and date.
2. Location (must be an intersection and both street names have to be
given in  evidence)
3. The Municipality (County) must be given. (to establish the
jurisdiction of the court)
4. The driver must be positively identified. (often the officer cannot
remember the driver specifically.)
5. The officer must have an INDEPENDENT recollection of the event.
(He/She  cannot merely rely on reading the notes)
6. The stop sign must be lawfully erected, clearly visible and conform
with the regulations . (size, color, height from sidewalk and distance
from the intersectiing street, known as the 'prolongation of the
lateral curb lines'.)
7. The officer must have a clear and unobstructed view of both the
intersection and the vehicle AS IT APPROACHES the intersection.
8. The officer's evidence MUST INCLUDE that "the vehcle entered the
intersection without first coming to a complete stop"
9. If the officer was in any position other than behind you they must
say that after pulling you over and issuing the ticket they returned
to the scene and ensured that the sign was in fact there and that it's
face was clearly visible..
10. Ignore the previous 9 if he/she doesn't show up