FAQs
1. What is a class action lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit is a form of lawsuit where a large group of people collectively bring a claim to court. Generally, the group of people bringing the lawsuit (also known as the plaintiffs) have issues and claims that are very similar in nature. A class action lawsuit allows the courts to hear and rule on these claims in a much more efficient, fair and effective manner. It also ensures that similarly situated people receive the same result on their case.
2. Should I pay my ticket or should I appeal it?
This is a very common question. It is important to understand that the law firm of Schuler, Halvorson, Weisser and Zoeller, PA cannot represent you in the direct challenge of your citation. Accordingly, we cannot provide advice or counsel regarding your decision to pay or contest your ticket.
However, through our various class action lawsuits, we are challenging the constitutionality and validity of the ordinances that allow these tickets to be issued. We invite you join our efforts in shutting these cameras off and declaring previously issued tickets invalid.
3. What will this ticket do to my license?
This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on where you received your ticket. Each city that contracts with a vendor to issue tickets has their own ordinance and their own punishments. It does not appear that your driving privileges will be effected by not paying the ticket but there are other negative ramifications. You should consult your actual ticket as it often times explains the possible sanctions.
4. What are the consequences if I don’t pay the ticket?
Like question (3), this is difficult to answer because each city “does business” differently. In general, cities have the ability to place liens on your home and personal property. Further, the city may send any unpaid portion of a fine to collections. It is strongly suggested that you review your own citation for this information.
5. Can I be a class member if I don’t pay the fine?
The damages we are seeking through this lawsuit consist of a refund of all fines collected through automated red light and speed enforcement cameras plus interest. However, whether you have currently paid the fine or not, we encourage you to join our effort in fighting these practices.
6. How long will this lawsuit take?
Justice may be blind, but it can also be slow. There is no way to predict when these lawsuits will be resolved. In fact, the biggest variable is the posture and tactics that the defendants (cities and companies) take. As a rule of thumb, it would be wise to expect a significant time frame. However, at Schuler, Halvorson, Weisser and Zoeller, PA we will take all possible steps to expedite the litigation.
7. What are the benefits to being a class member?
As stated in the answer to question (5), we are hoping to recover the full fine amount plus interest, along with any other damages the court finds equitable. However, class members also have the peace of mind of knowing that they are working to protect the due process and constitutional rights of all people who live in or visit our state.
8. Are we going to win?
We feel very strongly in the merits of this case and our experienced and dedicated attorneys and staff have spent significant time and effort researching and preparing our arguments. We believe very strongly in what we are doing.
With that said, there are never any guarantees in a court room and we make no guarantee to you that we will be successful. We do promise to do our very best in our efforts in representing you and you can rest assured that very experienced, intelligent and dedicated attorneys and staff members are working on your behalf.
9. Will participating in this class action lawsuit cost me anything?
Our firm employs the standard contingency fee structure. What this means is that our firm, consistent with the terms of our contract between the client and the firm, will be paid a percentage of any recovery that we make as a result of this lawsuit. The percent will vary on the posture of the case when it is resolved or settled. In short, you are not required to remit any type of payment directly to our law firm. In addition, our contract allows us to be reimbursed for the costs incurred in the lawsuit in the event we make a recovery. The costs will be distributed evenly between all class members. In the event we do not make a recovery, you will not be responsible for fees or costs. For further information, please consult your “Contract for Attorney Service”.