Originally Posted by Bimmer32' post='222878

Wow, I cant believe some of the replies to this thread. Ive been a police officer for just under 10 years and have pulled people over in all types of vehicles. Ive never once stopped someone for having a nice ride or because they drove a shitbox. I didnt care if it was a young kid driving a 100k car or a 100 year old driving a clunker. I just pulled people over for traffic or other criminal offenses.
I am shocked to read the post about the cop being envious and that the vehicle is worth more than the cops existance. I hardly believe any of that BS.
But anyway, I think that you do have a chance to beat this ticket. First, call the court and let them know that your going to protest the ticket. Second, go to the PD's record dept. and get all the information on the summons. In NJ, you get a hard copy of the summons. The first two copies got to records and the court and the third (yellow) copy is for the police officers notes. Prior to the court date you should know the officers name and what vehicle number is was using during that stop. All this should be provided to you (called discovery) by the PD. Then you should request info on when the police vehicles radar unit and speedometer were calibrated. Half the time PD's dont calibrate their vehicles in years so the speedometers might be off by several mph.
On the court date you should show up with a friend (someone your age and that could pass for you). Talk to the prosecutor and ask to see the attorney for your defense (no fee). Request that you would like to see the officers notes and any related info (most police vehicles have GPS). Tell the defense that there was no way that you were doing that speed and that you believe the ticket should be dropped. Tell them that (hopefully) that you have no points on your license and that your a safe and courtesy driver.
If this is really going to trial, PM me and I'll give you the details about the court room. I think that if you create enough of an impression that the officer is way off her mark, you can beat this.
Like i said before, Ive been doing this for along time. I have never lost a ticket or an arrest but then never stopped anyone for a BS reason. Best of luck....

Originally Posted by MaTRiX' post='223374' date='Jan 12 2006, 10:18 AM

Big head? You obviously havent been pulled over by a cop whos first question is "Whos ride is this?"

Originally Posted by Scott' post='223400

Big head? You obviously havent been pulled over by a cop whos first question is "Whos ride is this?"

Originally Posted by Granman' post='223132' date='Jan 12 2006, 02:07 AM

I can personally vouch for going to trial via written declaration using ticketassassin.com. For $25 and one hour of your time you have a 30% chance of getting off, which is better than rolling over and just paying the fine. If you loose, then you can request a new trial, appear in person and ask for traffic school.

I was caught on the motorbike doing 55 in a 45. The CHP office claimed I was doing over 60 which is bs cause I saw him before he saw me. I looked at my speedometer and saw I was doing ~50mph (Like a idiot, I thought he would not worry about 5mph over ? I was wrong)

When the summons arrived, I requested ?trial by written declaration? and paid the $130 fine. The court gives 30 days to fill out the required paper work and return. The police officer has to do the same. The judge reviews both and decides. If you win, the court returns the full refund. In my case the ticket was dismissed as the officer failed to respond.

Originally Posted by soc_fans' post='223537' date='Jan 12 2006, 09:09 PM

[Thanks for the advice. The problem now is that i will not be around United States from May to mid-August. If i really use ticketassassin.com and follow their instructions but i lose the trial, i highly doubt the new trial can be scheduled all the way until August. I should wait until my summons arrive and see how it goes from there.

Appreciate your help.

Originally Posted by Captain Tenneal' post='223594' date='Jan 12 2006, 10:05 PM

They have changed the laws in CA on taking traffic school.

1. You must go to a certified site for your jusdiction. There are many on-line, but make sure your court will accept it.

2. All certified sites are a required length. Meaning lots of reading, and a test at the end of each chapter that you must pass. Most have a "gotcha" question so you are forced to read the whole thing. If you miss more than 2 a chapter, you fail, and must redo the chapter. That doesn't sound too bad, BUT...

3. You must spend at least 6 or 8 hours on-line, and each chapter has a time that you must be on. If you are a fast reader, and you finish a chapter, it will tell you to wait until the time has been used up. Each chapter has a time period.

In other words, it's not a couple of hours, and it's not easy. You must pay attention, and attend an online session like you would a class that you would sit through. Take notes, read carefully, and finally take the tests seriously.

The big advantage of on-line, is that you don't have to take the class all at once. A chapter here and there is all it takes. Also, you are at home. Not sitting in a classroom. I usally had a scotch next to me while taking the tests.

As you can tell, I had to do this about 2 months ago. (BTW, there are no left turns in Union Square between 10:00am and 4:00pm. "But officer, my navigation system told me to turn left!") I got through it.

I wanted you to be prepared for traffic school properly. Yes, it takes time, but it's a sure way not to get hit with insurance increases, and it beats the hell out of going to City Hall. (Especially with a bottle of Walker Gold next to you.)