Orlando’s Red Light Cameras Under Fire

Published by Fleet Tilden, Esq. at September 1, 2009

A class-action lawsuit was filed claiming Orlando’ red light cameras are unconstitutional and should no longer be used to issue tickets.

The city placed the cameras at seven intersections a year ago but the suit alleges that the real reason for the program was to generate revenue. According to Richard Schuler, an partner with the West Palm Beach law firm that filed the suit against Orlando and several other governments, “It’s a moneymaker.”

City Attorney Maryanne Downs said that Orlando reviewed the legalities before adopting the camera ordinance in December 2007 and is confident it will prevail in court.

Nabeel Ansari, 27, who is the only named plaintiff, had more practical reasons for filing the suit. He racked up 3 tickets from November 29^th to June 15^th totaling $500.00 in fines. The first offense is $125.00, after that it jumps to $250.00 for the third or subsequent offense in three years.

Though Ansari admitted to running the light, the lawsuit alleges that the cameras are unfair partly because they don’t determine who is driving. It claims the plaintiffs “were presumed guilty by reason of their ownership of the vehicle” and had to prove their innocence which is contrary to legal precedent.

Schuler argues, “you shouldn’t have to prove anything, they should have to prove the case against you.”

If you have been accused of a criminal charge in Orange County or Seminole County, Florida, please contact Tilden Law to speak with an experienced defense attorney and for you free initial consultation at 407-599-1234.

Fleet Tilden, Esq.

Beginning in 1923, attorney John Tilden, Esq. established his law practice in Downtown Orlando with a full service law firm serving Central Florida residents. Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, attorney N. Fleetwood Tilden, Esq. began his Central Florida law practice after graduating from law school in 1993. After a career as an Assistant State Attorney prosecuting Central Florida criminal cases, the Law Office of Tilden Law was established. Practicing exclusively Criminal Defense, Mr. Tilden has handled over 5,000 criminal cases.