Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Camera Ticket Verdict topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Judge finds driver guilty in Lake Forest Park school-zone camera case, reduces fine to $90
Summary
A self-represented defendant contesting a school-zone speed-camera ticket lost a challenge to mailing and calibration arguments; the judge found the infraction proven by a preponderance and reduced the penalty to $90 for 11 miles per hour over the limit.
The Lake Forest Park municipal judge found that a contested school-zone speed-camera infraction was proved by a preponderance of the evidence on April 7, 2025, and reduced the fine to $90.
Daniel Miyamoto (appearing as Mr. Miyamoto, self-represented) contested a photo-enforcement citation issued in a school walk zone. Miyamoto argued the notice was not received within the statutory period and questioned calibration/documentation for the camera devices. He cited RCW provisions during his arguments and showed his informed-delivery email indicating he received notice on January 10, which he said was 16 days after the mailing date he believed applied.
The court reviewed the officer’s sworn statement and the photographs/video captured by the automated system. The judge said, “Mister Miyamoto, I will find, based upon the evidence, find by a preponderance that it was committed,” and found the device’s photographs and sworn statement sufficient to meet the city’s burden. The judge then reduced the sanction, stating, “I would reduce this to, $90 for the 11 over.”
What the record shows: The officer’s sworn statement (Officer Benjamin) stated the vehicle was captured at 36 mph where the posted speed was 25 mph; the prosecution offered photographs and a video excerpt showing the vehicle and plate. Prosecutor Carmen McDonald stated calibration records and device certifications were posted on the Lake Forest Park website and indicated the posted calibration reports showed the devices had passed required testing.
Practical effect: Miyamoto was found liable under the municipal infraction standard (preponderance of the evidence) and given a reduced fine of $90; the court directed the clerk to send payment instructions.
Quotes on the record: The judge’s rulings and the reduction were made on the record during the hearing.
