Did the cop have a video camera and a microphone in his car? If he did, try to subpoena the tape to make your argument that he did not really have a case when he pulled you over and was looking for a reason after the fact. If the tape was "lost", that gives you something else to talk about...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ulrich
[B]Did the cop have a video camera and a microphone in his car?
I don't know if he had a video camera/ microphone in the car. How whould I know if he did?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by turbo_pwr



They do not need to put the speed on the ticket for reckless driving. It is based on the cops judgement that you were endangering yourself and others on the road. As others have stated get an attorney that specializes in traffic court for your area (this is important). The fact that you don't know how fast you were going could mean that you were going faster the 10-15mph over. Which you probably were since you accelerated to change lanes and the car can pick up speed fast.

I understand that he doesn't need to to put the speed on the ticket. Although if his reason for giving me the ticket for reckless driving is because of me speeding he would have to write down the speed correct? I am definitely going to look into getting a lawyer. Also thanks everyone for your interest and concern for my situation. Any more advice is appreciated.

 

When you go to trial, your lawyer (or you can do it yourself) can ask for full disclosure of all evidence against you during the discovery period.

 

Okay, you were clearly in the wrong...and clearly wronged. FIRST -- I'm not an attorney. But a good friend is, and I just talked to her about you.

Get a GOOD attorney. Try to get it reduced to a lesser charge, i.e., no-points violation. There's a very good chance it will work out for you. Chances are if you try to handle it yourself, cop's word will outflank yours -- you admitted to drinking, you know you were speeding, you're 22 (I know, sux to be you right now), hot car, he's got a badge and uniform, etc. Judge will laugh as he throws book at you. The system is set up to benefit you if you have one of "their" reps on your side -- it's really all they respect, as unfair as that sounds. Do as others have said -- get a traffic attorney and a good one. One tactic might be for your atty. to do a series of continuances...this may lessen the cop's interest in showing up for court.

Next, get a good radar detector. Pays for itself by helping to avoid a-holes and revenue collectors (often the same) like those you ran into...and of course attorneys' fees. See this board for endless posts on what is best.

Sorry about your luck thus far...now it's up to you to change it. Good luck, let us know what happens! And drive safely!

Steve

 

I do have a rader detector. I have a Passport 8500 that was no help for me in this situation. Also what do you mean when you said:

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Stevez

One tactic might be for your atty. to do a series of continuances...this may lessen the cop's interest in showing up for court.

 

I agree with all the advice you've gotten. In addition, next time, try to be more lucky!

You stated that you felt you were not being treated fairly. I agree. Now look at those teenagers who were CONVICTED OF RAPE in the Central Park "jogger" case a couple of years ago and now the real perpetrator has admitted to it AND the DNA evidence fits him and not the teenagers convicted.

There's plenty of injustice to go around in this country, let alone other less perfect systems. Get an attorney. Be calm and keep it in perspective.

And work for justice.

 

Did your passport go off at all? Maybe he didn't have you on radar and wrote that instead?

 

Wise words, Barry. Hmm -- sorry your PP didn't go off.

The continuances -- your attorney can explain this and will know the best course for you to take. A continuance is just as it sounds: the case is "continued" at a later date. The strategy here is make the cop so he becomes disinterested/forgets to show up when the actual court date comes. But as I said, your GOOD ATTORNEY will advise you on what's best. Quit wasting time and hire one. Time is key to your success!

 

I got pulled over while driving my truck about 5mph over the limit.
The cop gave me a ticket even though the car ahead of me was 15 or 20 mph faster.(he had just passed me) Fortunately for me I had a friend that just made sargent on the same force. I called him and plead my case. He said that the officer in question was far and away the big money maker in our small town. He said that when people go to court they claim that the ticket was unjust and that they knew that this cop wrote as many as possible. When they prepared them selves in this manor he says that the judge typicaly threw it out.
Who knows, this might work for you.
Good luck.
2000S2K
1974 TVR 2500-M