Fined!!!!

Well. . . I finally had my day in court to fight my red light ticket issued by the City of Albuquerque's intersection camera. I make it sound like I actually had a chance to get this one dismissed. NOT!! After seeing the video, I knew I was stuck with the $100 fine, but I figured fightiing it was better than just mailing in the dough!
Their set up for the hearing is similar to "American Idol." You enter a room with 3 people, they show you their video of you speeding, running a light, etc. and then give you their evidence. Blah Blah Blah! "The light had already been red 0.24 seconds when the violating vehicle entered the intersection!" Come on! 0.24 seconds!! Do they honestly believe that drivers actually can stop regularly at that point. I knew when I entered that I was close, but I figured it was better than slamming on the brakes and then getting rear ended. Afterwards, you walk out the door and you feel like the contestants on "American Idol." Everyone there hopes you get off, but only a few actually do! Oh well, I will pay the ticket to the powers that be, and hope that I don't get another one within two years! Yup, two years. If that happens the fine jumps to $250. Luckily, I don't drive into ABQ regularly, unlike most who have to pass 2 or 3 of these cameras everyday on their way to work. Can you say money maker!!!!!!!