Maryland To Allow Lawyers To Determine Guilt Or Innocence In Tickets

Lawmakers in Maryland are upset that residents have been challenging their speed camera tickets in court. The cases, even if they go the state's way, frequently generate bad publicity. The latest solution being proposed is to eliminate the right of ticket recipients to have their day in court before an actual judge.

The state House Judiciary Committee yesterday heard testimony on House Bill 1030 which would set up a pilot system of photo enforcement justice in Prince George's County. Under the program, a lawyer would be selected to serve as "master" to decide the guilt or innocence of those accused by a red light camera or speed camera.

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cdoke - 3/8/2012 2:33:06 PM

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Illegal.

JRobUSC - 3/8/2012 5:42:13 PM

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From the article:

"Under the program, a lawyer would be selected to serve as 'master' to decide the guilt or innocence of those accused by a red light camera or speed camera. This master would be paid directly from the revenue collected from finding ticket recipients guilty."

Um... say what? Did I read that second sentence correctly? Can you say "massive conflict of interest"?

Holydude - 3/8/2012 11:52:05 PM

+1 Boost

@blazinboy - we have the same system in South Africa, except the cops give a discount on the ticket and they get a raise on the spot.. LOL!!

But that's only for the tourists or first year residents (aka suckers), the laws are so strict here for cops in issuing ticket that any violation of just one can have the tickets thrown out, and 99% of the cops probably don't know half of these regulations. E.g., they must have their hat on (lol!)