Traffic infraction appears nitpick
I am considering responding not guilty in email instead of in person. This will be the option of contested hearing (by mail)? Anything else I need to consider? I took right on red light signal in Washington when there was no chance of any pedestrian on right or any incoming traffic from left. I still braked and paused for less than a second. Speed throughout was under 5mph or 10 mph. I haven’t got any ticket in 15 years so this is the first time experience.
What state? Washington?
Updated
Do I need a lawyer or can contest through email by myself?
You can try, but will have better luck with an attorney.
Roughly how much does an attorney charge?
I would say around 200 bucks or so. You can always ask or check on a traffic attorney website
Is this a red light camera or a cop saw you?
Red light camera
F red light cameras. Texas FTW
Something similar happened to me. Failed to do a full stop on a red light regardless of incoming traffic or pedestrians. Rules are clear. Turns on red are allowed after a full stop. If you want to try and challenge it, go ahead, but I don't think you can do much. In my case I paid a lawyer to change the ticket to a different category (I think it was something like non moving violation or something like that) which did not harm my driving records from an insurance perspective. Still had to pay the ticket and the lawyer, but cheaper long term.
OP it doesn't matter, you didn't come to a complete stop. You say nobody was coming but for all you know a biker or runner could have appeared. Right on red needs to be removed in general to avoid situations like this.