A settlement has been reached between the city of Houston and red-light camera manufacturer ATS, Mayor Annise Parker’s office confirmed Saturday.

According to officials, city council could vote as early as Wednesday to pay American Traffic Solutions about $4.8 million for breaking the parties’ red-light camera contract.

“Red light camera legal fight is over,” Janice Evans, spokeswoman for Mayor Annise Parker said on Twitter. “All cameras coming down.”

The agreement brings to an end the legal fight that began when Houston City Council approved ending the city’s red-light camera program.

The city will pay ATS using money from collected fines that are in escrow and the approximately $25 million the city is still owed in outstanding red-light tickets that were issued when the cameras were still operational.

“I am thankful that traffic violators, not Houston taxpayers, will be paying for this,” said Mayor Annise Parker. “This is a reasonable settlement and I thank the City legal department for its diligence in getting it done.”

Under the terms of the agreement, ATS will be paid $2.3 million up front. The rest of the money will be paid out over the next three years.
The settlement money is around what ATS would have received under its original contract with the city.

In exchange for the money, ATS has agreed to remove all of its cameras from city intersections within 60 days of approval of the settlement by Houston City Council. The City ordered the cameras turned off and stopped issuing red light camera violations last August.

Voters decided in the November 2010 election to turn off the red-light cameras, which sparked a huge controversy as the city’s contract with ATS goes through 2015.

Story Courtesy of KHOU Houston: http://www.khou.com/home/125M-settlement-proposed-over-Houston-red-light-camera-controversy-137823994.html

McLemore, Reddell, Ardoin and Story, P.L.L.C. provides legal advice and criminal defense services for clients across Texas.

Houston, Texas (I-Newswire) January 17, 2012 – A firm of criminal attorneys wants fellow Texans to know their rights concerning criminal cases under federal and Texas state laws. Whether it’s DWI, white collar, drug crimes or violent crimes, Criminal Law for Texas is the number one resource to seek for assistance in these matters. This group of criminal defense attorneys understands that not everyone who is accused of a crime is treated justly in a court of law.

That is why the Houston attorney firm of McLemore, Reddell, Ardoin & Story offers criminal defense protection on Criminal Law for Texas. This criminal attorney firm works with their clients to ensure they are well-informed before going to court. Their website offers an array of resources, such as newsletters, blogs, and a criminal law overview page that informs and educates clients on their rights. The information is made available free of charge because citizens may find themselves facing criminal charges for the first time and not know where to receive counsel.

For instance, defendants facing serious charges may not understand the advantages of plea bargaining and sentence bargaining. They may not know that they can waive certain rights, such as the right to a speedy trial or the right to a trial by a jury of one’s peers. A criminal attorney can inform a client about these rights and whether they are beneficial or harmful before entering a trial.

No one should try to be their own counsel when faced with serious first-time offenses. Even if one has a law background, it is always preferable to seek professional advice. The criminal defense attorneys at McLemore, Reddell, Ardoin & Story are former prosecutors who understand the ins and outs of the Houston criminal defense system. For example, David Reddell, a former assistant district attorney, never lost a felony trial during his tenure. Moreover, in the last four years Reddell has been selected as a top Houston attorney by H Texas Magazine. Reddell now represents clients accused of DWI, drug and substance abuse and has successfully helped some of his clients receive professional treatment.

Overall, these criminal defense attorneys show a track record of hundreds of cases that have been dismissed by judges, and where charges were dropped. When a trial was necessary, juries often found the defendant “not guilty.” For these reasons, it is important to hire a criminal attorney that not only understands the law but cares about their client’s personal life.

Potential clients can visit www.CriminalLawForTexas.com or call 713-888-0080 to find out more information about how McLemore, Reddell, Ardoin & Story, P.L.L.C. law firm can help with their case.

Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Role In Dwi Cases

With all of the information hitting the airwaves these days it is hard to imagine that some people still think they can drink and drive. The problem is that their judgment is impaired and they become an accident waiting to happen. People under the influence tend to have slow reaction times meaning that the victim of the crash receives full impact. In many cases involving DWI injuries in Houston, the person who was drinking rarely sustains life threatening injuries because of their relaxed state. The other party that was impacted however usually experiences serious or fatal injuries.

If you are the recipient of an accident involving a DWI you need representation. Unfortunately the other party’s insurance company tries to save costs by offering a settlement that is nowhere near an amount that justifies your injuries. A Houston accident lawyer can help you fight DWI injuries and receive the proper compensation you are due.

There are many things that must be included in a case against a drunk driver. Compensation can include but not be limited to: negligence, lost wages, pain and suffering and trauma. The pain and suffering can also be extended to immediate family members. This is a serious matter that must be handled professionally from the beginning. A Houston accident lawyer is well versed in these types of cases and realizes the sensitivity that is involved.

Many people after such a horrific accident are unable to get behind the wheel again. By using a Houston personal injury lawyer you will know that your case is being handled by top notch attorneys who bring with them many years experience. They will deal with the insurance company so you do not have to.

The Houston accident lawyer understands the importance of a just settlement. DWI cases are difficult to withstand because of the personal feelings involved. The other party had no regard for another person once he placed the key in the ignition. Your Houston personal injury lawyer will use this as leverage to obtain the best settlement offer possible. You will find comfort in knowing that your case is being handled by someone who will not settle for less than fair.

Once your lawyer has factored in all things relative to your case he will present the offer to the insurance company’s lawyer. There will be no tactics used against your Houston accident lawyer to scare him into reducing his settlement offer. Your lawyer has worked with the insurance companies many times before and cannot be intimidated by them, but rather he will likely intimidate the insurance company by warning what may happen if the case goes to trial.

If you have been injured by a DWI driver, first take care of yourself and seek the proper medical attention then call a Houston accident lawyer to discuss potential legal action. Never speak with the insurance company on your own, or agree to anything. The insurance company is only interested in settling the case as quickly as possible, for as little as possible. The insurance company is counting on you not being educated in your rights. They want to offer you a settlement quickly and close their file. Your Houston personal injury lawyer does not need to close fast. If the settlement offer is not acceptable to you, your lawyer will proceed in taking the case to court.

Tags: Houston Personal injury lawyer, Houston Accident Lawyer, Personal injury attorney, DWI Injuries

About The Author

Padua Law is specialized firm as a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer and as Real Estate Attorney Houston.

The firm has solved many issues related to personal injuries and its wrongful death and thus being known as prominent Houston Personal Injury Attorney.

Article Source: Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Role In Dwi Cases