Complaint Review: City Of Baltimore

City of Baltimore Red Light Camera Violation Ripoff Scam; Illegal and the City of Baltimore should be issued punative damages for their negligence Baltimore Maryland .....

To all of you red-camera light violators in Baltimore City,

I received a red light violation on 6/20/02 in Baltimore City. I had received a ticket (with photo of my car running through a red light,) and responded that I wished to stand trial for the violation within the 15 day time period. I had subsequently received a "Notice to Stand Trial" and was told to appear in court on 1/7/03. I did appear for trial and pled guilty with explanation. My non-bullshit explanation being that I heard gunshots in a notoriously bad area which, I felt, were close enough to my vehicle to warrent an early escape.

I refuse, for any amount of money, to put my life in harms way. I work in the area and don't say that I did not belong there in the first place. It is a free country, after all. I was fined 75.00 by a very compassionate dumb-a*s idiot judge. Although, I really can't blame her for finding me guilty (I was.) She has to abide by the law and she is bound to review the law based on the evidence of the case. Anyway, I was guilty. A bit of compassion would have been appropriate, however. I paid the fine and received a receipt for the 75.00.

On 1/30/03, I arrived at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV or MVA) to renew my vehicle registration and was told that the City of Baltimore had flagged my vehicle for non-payment of the 75.00 fine. I was subsequently fined an additional 30.00, or else, my flag would not be released and I would be unable to renew my vehicle's registration (i.e. "no stickers.")

How can the City of Baltimore flag my vehicle when my case was pending in court? My court case was on 1/7/03 and I was told by the MVA the City flagged my vehicle sometime in September, 3.5 months before my trial date. It seems that City of Baltimore had violated my rights with respect to Maryland's motor vehicle law. I had spoken with a supervisor at the MVA and she told me that this is a common practice with Baltimore City. I am not sure how to proceed, but am considering sueing the City of Baltimore for a violation of my civil rights, if that could be applicable in this case.

It's not that I am concerned about the 30.00, it just seems that the City was negligent with regard to my right to stand trial for the offence. It is the principal of the matter. I feel that what the City of Baltimore did is illegal and would appreciate any help or advice. Do I have a case? I am sure that out of all of the red-light camera tickets the City issues the City collects an additional 30.00 from everybody whom decides to stand trial. Punitive damages I believe would be in order, if the City violated Maryland motor vehicle laws. Did they in my case? Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.

Palace
Columbia, Maryland
U.S.A.