Lakeland hearing officer upholds multiple red‑light camera violations, dismisses one case

Lakeland City hearing officer Josh Brown upheld a red‑light camera violation for Steven Hineswell and issued a $158 fine plus a $100 administrative fee, with 30 days to pay, after reviewing photographs and video of the intersection stop bar.

The decision came after Hineswell disputed the identification evidence and questioned the vendor that reviews camera captures. "Pursuant to the video and the photographs I've seen, that there's sufficient evidence that a violation occurred on that date and time. And so I'm gonna uphold the violation, fine a $158 fine, $100 administrative fee, and 30 days to pay," Brown said after the hearing.

Why it matters: Lakeland's enforcement hearings determine whether automated evidence from a third‑party vendor and city review meet the local standard for a civil traffic violation. Contesting motorists frequently raise vendor reliability and identification concerns; hearing officers examine only the record presented—photos and video—when determining whether a violation occurred.

Evidence and contested testimony City staff presented the case against Hineswell as violation number 1242400180490, alleging the incident occurred Aug. 12, 2024, at 7:26 p.m. at the intersection of Socram Loop Road and Cumby Road. Staff said the vehicle, a white Infiniti with a Florida plate, was recorded traveling 55 mph in a 40 mph zone; the yellow interval reported was 4.9 seconds and the red interval 0.8 seconds. Staff displayed still…