Anyone have any links for info on fighting speeding tickets issued by radar or laser?

Tauren

Diamond Member
Jan 30, 2001
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If it was a laser you are f*cked. Those things are so accurate, that a judge won't even entertain the idea. If it was radar, you can contest it in court. And sorry, I don't know of any websites.
 

Superdoopercooper

Golden Member
Jan 15, 2001
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If it was a laser, you could claim it burned your retina and that you are disabled for life. That'll probably get you out of a speeding ticket! ;) :D
 

Lalakai

Golden Member
Nov 30, 1999
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if it's legit, consider it a learning lesson.

things to consider:
- was the operator properly trained and certified in use of equipment
- for radar, when was the unit last serviced/tested
- for laser, the angle of the reading is important; was the officer in the correct position to take an accurrate reading
- request a hearing with the magistrate; if the officer fails to show, the ticket is tossed. if officer does show, explain your case (dress neatly but not extreme) and if you have a good record, you may get a reduced ticket or possibly a probation period where if you do not get any additional tickets, this ticket may be forgotten. ummmmm, don't make excuses, be polite and it might work out.

hope this helps.
 

mithrandir2001

Diamond Member
May 1, 2001
6,545
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You should mail out a "Request for Discovery" letter to the ticket-writing officer. In this letter - which you send before your court date - you ask any question you may have to prepare for your defense. The last time I fought a speeding ticket, I sent the officer a two-page RFD with about 7 questions. He never responded (I forget if they are legally bound to do so). However, before the case even began, the magistrate offered me a non-point violation in substitute for the 21mph-over speeding ticket. I think my RFD had something to do with it because before I was called into the "court room" the magistrate talked to the officer behind closed doors and I'm sure the cop said "this person is going to put up a fight, let's cut a deal quick so we can get this over with." Speculation, of course, but I did avoid the speeding ticket.

In the RFD, you can request copies of the officer's radar operation certification, records of the radar's calibration, where the squad car was located, what position it faced (for angles and such). Speeding tickets p!ss me off, so I recommend sending the RFD just to hassle the cops a little...and if you are truly not guilty, you need all the information you can get to avoid a false conviction. It's your legal right, just as pleading not-guilty is your legal right.
 

luckydragon

Golden Member
Oct 12, 1999
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i heard laser could be inaccurate up to 10mph off. Anyways i would recommend getting yourself a good traffic lawyer.
 

spanky

Lifer
Jun 19, 2001
25,716
4
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<< If it was a laser you are f*cked. Those things are so accurate, that a judge won't even entertain the idea. If it was radar, you can contest it in court. And sorry, I don't know of any websites. >>




not necessarily. isn't there a process called "request for discovery" or something, where u ask the PD to show the appropriate paperwork that proves the officers radar was properly calibrated the day which he clocked u? well, my laywer told me about it one time when i had a good speeding ticket. anyway, if worse comes to worse...get a laywer and they do everything for u.
 

tcsenter

Lifer
Sep 7, 2001
18,953
576
126
From what I understand, the days of fighting radar are pretty much over. When radar first came out, they were prone to be inaccurate and they HAD to be used a precise way. The new radars are so accurate today, you're better off paying.