Got my first speeding ticket in 12 yrs. She claimed I was going 68 in 55 speed limit. I saw her from a distance and saw my speedometer when I was going barely after 60...say around 61-62mhp. I argued with her that I wasnt going that fast. She said she clocked me and would prove it. I asked her to show me the radar laser gun first. She wouldnt show it to me until I sign the ticket first. I asked her AGAIN to show it to me before I sign. She refuse to until I sign FIRST she said. So I signed and she showed me. Then I argued with her that she probably clocked a vehicle going downhill that just passed me as I was going up hill. Besides I was speeding at that speed to pass a slow moving vehicle for under 1/4 when she pulled me over. Should I just pay for the ticket for fight for it????

Just pay it and take traffic school. Much easier that fighting it and it won't have an effect on your insurance. Remember that the only way you will win in traffic court is if the officer fails to show. The judge will most always side with the officer. Also if you do go to traffic court and lose you may not be able to take traffic school.

Was it radar or laser? There are technical ways to beat these tickets, but you would have to be a pro in the courtroom, and have all bases covered in the proof and info areas.

Either way, he is right. You are probably better off just paying the fine and take traffic school, especially since you've been good for 12 years! Impressive.

Greg

Looks like you need some advice;
Go to this site and read www.ticketassassin.com

It could help ALOT.

I wish I had less finals to study this site. It has many ways to get out of tickets and fight them once you get them.

good luck...

i am fighting my first ticket (20 years driving) - long story...

i sent my paperwork in, didn't feel like spending 1/2 day in court - 11 pages altogether to state my case. they cashed my check, so we'll see what happens next!

99.99% of the time it should be radar. i have heard from my local audio shop, and from others, that ALL chp's use laser and i think its bs. [censored] man bout the ticket.

-a

I completely disagree with some of the opinions stated above. With all due respect, I fight every ticket I receive and have yet to lose a single one that I have taken to court. My experience has been that 50% of the time the cop does not show and the ticket is dismissed. The other 50% of the time I have merely told my side of the story in a pleasent, respectful manner, never complaining about the cop or insinuating that they did their job wrong in any way.

90% of what matters in court is your attitude IMHO. Come to court dressed professionally, without a bad attitude or anger and state that you were driving at a speed that you felt was reasonable and prudent for the existing traffic and weather conditions.

I've been fighting tickets in this manner for the past 5 years or so (before I just did the pay and traffic school thing) and have gotten out of 4-5 tickets in this manner. Your main problem in your situation is that you argued with the LEO and she is therefore more likely to take the time out of her schedule to show up to court and you can bet that she will remember you and your situation. I try to be as polite and forgettable as possible. I've had LEOs show up to court and not remember me at all and only be able to go off of the information on the ticket they wrote.

My long-winded .02...

Also one thing to always ask once the situation elevates to arguing is they ARE in fact legally responsible to show you your clocked speed. They are ALSO required to show proof that it was calibrated at the start of the day. All laser/radar guns are required to be calibrated every 24 hours or they are invalid. Its something they are required to log so if they cant show you that than you are in a much better position. Once again, only bring this up if you KNOW you are getting a ticket and theres no other way. They dont take too kindly to it.

I was just going to bring up the calibration issue. Good point!

Greg

Actually that is untrue for the radar guns at least, I don't know about the laser. Radar guns in CA are required to be calibrated and certified every 90 days last I heard. Many still are not within this window, so it is still something I would check on. The last calibration date should be listed somewhere on the gun. I would ask the officer to show you the date if you are already asking to see the clocked speed.

fighting it is a good option especially if you have things going for you like in this case...but if you plead guilty and then lose later you will get 100% of the fine and all additional charges which is the downside...if you lose or give in to the system do traffic school at fun4ufast2.com . i just did that recently and it only cost $20 and took about 2 hours vs 8 hrs with some crazy old man in a marriot hotel room!! oh yeah and *edited*

Bypassing the censors is against forum rules and will not be tolerated in such a blatant manner. Let's keep this on topic please.

Its been nearly 3 weeks since my ticket and have not received the bill in the mail. Should I worry? How long does it normally takes?

Originally posted by Contour1998:

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Its been nearly 3 weeks since my ticket and have not received the bill in the mail. Should I worry? How long does it normally takes?

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it took 3 weeks for mine :S

also, i still haven't heard back from my written trial... i submitted it on 4/28 - almost a month!

anyone know how long the cop has to respond? it's been almost 2 months since the ticket!