speaking as a law enforcement officer, I can tell you that it never hurts to go to court if you feel you are right and the police officer is wrong. Several things you should know. If he used radar, and there were several vehicles traveling close to each other, the radar wave usually is reflected by the "closest" and/or "biggest" object(sine wave theory, but is kinda a pain to explain). Keep in mind that the biggest object might not be traveling the fastest, but was what caused a return. Secondly, depending on SOP, the officer must first "track" a suspected speeding vehicle, and estimate it's speed before the radar is employed to "verify" the vehicles speed. Also, the radar is required to be "certified" as accurate. The officer must verify the radar operation with a high or low band tuning fork before the radar is placed into operation for the day. I once found a falcon gun that was 13 miles off speed. If, as you say, there were several vehicles close to you, and you have a good argument, there is a good chance the judge will either reduce the fine, or dismiss the ticket. It also helps if the officer doesn't appear in court as a witness. It is really hard for some of us to appear, when messages aren't passed, and continual criminal activity keep us constantly playing catch-up. Lots of what I said above needs to be verified to the judge by the citing police officer. Go to court. Tell your side of the story. Be as honest as you think you can. At the most, you will just have to pay court costs with the ticket. Remember to be respectful. First impressions are the longest lasting ones.
