Legal Question in Traffic Law in Florida

I crossed from the middle (turning) lane of a 5-lane street (Fletcher Ave/ C.R. 582) to the bike lane on the side on my bicycle after a driver in the lane closest to the turning lane motioned me to cross. The cars in both regular lanes were already slowing down for a red light, but the ones in the outermost lane had to slow down a little faster because of me. I was issued a $101 citation saying I made all Westbound traffic stop so I could ride my bike across. The deputy put Florida ordinances section 316.121 on the ticket. From my understanding, this ordinance is talking about drivers coming from a small side-street onto a major street yielding to the drivers on the major street. I will be representing myself in court. Is the fact that the ordinance doesn't apply to what I did sufficient grounds to dismiss my case? Did I break other ordinances, and if so, might I be charged with breaking them if I contest breaking this one?


Asked on 1/11/10, 12:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Craig Epifanio Craig Epifanio, P.A.

I'm sure you heard the phrase, "he who represents himself has a fool for a client." In my opinion, it would be foolish to represent yourself if you are going to trial. Although an attorney may initially cost more than the ticket itself, the savings you will get on your insurance, makes it a wise investment. I would also add that just today I got a phone call from someone looking to do an appeal on a speeding ticket. I explained that if he had gone there with an attorney, he wouldn't be looking for an attorney to do the appeal because the attorney probably would have gotten a better result. So instead of paying about $200 up front, he is now looking at $2000 for an appeal. My point, at least consider hiring an attorney.

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Answered on 1/20/10, 8:53 pm


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