Red Light Ticket Attorney

Serving Wyoming & South Dakota

A quick flash of red and blue lights, a citation handed through your window, and it can be tempting to just pay the fine and move on. In Wyoming, a red light ticket can reach much further into your life, including your driving record, insurance, and sometimes your job. Before you decide what to do, it helps to understand what that ticket really means.

Just Criminal Law is a criminal defense firm based in Gillette that handles criminal traffic cases, including red light matters that may seem minor at first glance. Our team is led by former prosecutors, and we prepare each case as if it could go to trial, so you are not pushed into a quick, convenient plea. We work to bring calm structure to a stressful situation and to explain your options clearly from the first conversation.

If you received a citation at an intersection in or around the city, you do not have to figure this out on your own. We can walk you through what the ticket means, what choices you have, and how it might affect your future so you can decide your next step with your eyes open.

To schedule a consultation, call (307) 300-2240 or contact us online today.

Penalties for Running a Red Light in Wyoming

In Wyoming, traffic violations are generally classified as misdemeanors. While it might seem like "just a ticket," the state takes signal violations seriously.

• Fines: For a first offense, you can face a fine of up to $200. If you receive a second conviction for the same offense within one year, the fine can jump to $300. A third conviction within a year can result in a $500 fine and even up to six months in jail.
• Demerit Points: The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) typically assigns 1 to 4 points for moving violations depending on the severity and specific local ordinance. Accumulating too many points within a short period will trigger a license suspension.
• Insurance Impact: A red light conviction is a "moving violation." Insurance companies often use these as a justification to increase your monthly premiums for three years or more.
• Commercial Drivers: If you hold a CDL, a red light ticket is considered a "serious traffic violation." Two serious violations within three years can lead to a 60-day disqualification of your commercial driving privileges.

Penalties for Running a Red Light in South Dakota

South Dakota law classifies running a red light as a Class 2 misdemeanor. Unlike some states that treat these as civil infractions, South Dakota’s classification means the violation stays on your criminal record.

• Fines and Jail Time: A Class 2 misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. While jail time is rare for a simple red light ticket, the statutory possibility exists, especially if the violation resulted in an accident. Usually, the standard "on-the-spot" fine is around $122.50.
• The Point System: South Dakota uses a point system to track habitual offenders. A red light violation typically adds 3 points to your driving record.
• License Suspension: If you accumulate 15 points in 12 months (or 22 points in 24 months), your license will be suspended.
• No Red Light Cameras: It is important to note that South Dakota law (SDCL 32-30-16.1) generally prohibits the use of automated red light cameras to issue citations. This means a physical officer must usually witness the violation, which creates more opportunities for a legal defense.

Legal Defense to a Red Light Ticket

Many drivers believe that a red light ticket is impossible to fight. This is a misconception. Our Gillette red light ticket lawyer can employ several strategies to have your charges reduced or dismissed.

Challenging the Officer’s Observation

Most red light tickets are based on the subjective observation of a police officer. We ask the tough questions: Where was the officer parked? Was their view obstructed by other vehicles, trees, or weather conditions? If we can show there is reasonable doubt about the officer's vantage point, the ticket may be dismissed.

The "Yellow Light" Defense

Under both Wyoming and South Dakota law, it is generally legal to be in the intersection while the light is red, provided your front tires crossed the limit line while the light was still yellow. We can often use timing data or witness testimony to prove you entered the intersection legally.

Necessity and Safety

In rare cases, a driver may run a red light to avoid a greater harm—for example, to move out of the way of an out-of-control vehicle behind them. If you acted to prevent an accident, we can argue "necessity" as a valid legal defense.

Equipment Malfunction

Traffic signals are maintained by municipal or state departments. If a light was mistimed (e.g., the yellow light duration was shorter than legally required), the citation may be invalid.

FAQs About Red Light Tickets in Wyoming and South Dakota

Does South Dakota use red light cameras?

No. South Dakota has specific statutes that restrict the use of automated photo enforcement for traffic violations. If you received a "camera ticket" in the mail in South Dakota, you should have it reviewed by a lawyer immediately, as it may not be enforceable.

Can I just take a driving course to hide the ticket?

In some jurisdictions, "Traffic School" or a "Deferred Prosecution" may be available. This typically involves paying the fine and completing a course in exchange for the ticket not appearing on your public driving record. We can help negotiate this option for you.

What happens if I ignore the ticket?

Ignoring a ticket is never a good idea. It will result in a "Failure to Appear," which can lead to a bench warrant for your arrest and an automatic suspension of your driving privileges in both states.

Talk To Our Team Today

A red light ticket may seem like a small problem compared to other criminal charges, but it can still affect your license, record, and future. How you respond now, before your first court date or before you pay the citation, can change what this ticket means for you in the long term.

At Just Criminal Law, we focus exclusively on criminal defense, and our practice is rooted in Gillette and the surrounding region. Our attorneys, including former prosecutors, bring trial-ready preparation and organized case management to red light and related traffic matters. We explain the process clearly, keep you informed, and work to protect what matters most to you.

If you received a red light ticket in this region, you do not have to make decisions in the dark. A conversation with our team can give you a clearer view of the road ahead and the choices you have.

Call (307) 300-2240 to talk with our team about your citation and next steps.