Good Fences And Not So Good Neighbors: Property Law 101

Fighting A Speeding Ticket In Court

26 September 2016 by Hunter Moore

There are few things more frustrating than getting pulled over by a police officer, especially when you feel you haven't done anything wrong. Speeding tickets are among the most common types of traffic violations cited by police officers in the United States. If you have received a speeding ticket and you are certain that you did not exceed the posted speed limit prior to being issued the ticket, you have the ability to fight the ticket in court.

Here are some tips you can use to help you win your speeding ticket case in the future.

1. Identify the exact code you are being charged with violating.

In order to begin mounting your defense against a speeding violation, you need to read through the code you are being charged with violating. These codes are written on your citation, but they can be difficult to understand because they are written in technical terms.

Hiring an attorney to help you research your code violation can be beneficial. When you understand the language of the code, you can better prepare to defend yourself against the violation you were cited for.

2. Make a record of the circumstances surrounding your citation.

Many of the laws that govern the nation require citizens to use subjective judgment. This means that the laws are written to serve as a guideline, but there may be situations where a judgment call is needed in order to maintain safety. Speeding tickets serve as a great example of a law violation where subjective judgment could alter the outcome.

In about 20 states, speed laws are not absolute. If driving slightly over the posted limit allowed you to maintain the flow of traffic, and there were no adverse weather or road conditions to justify a significant slowing, then you may be able to get out of paying your ticket by showing you used your subjective judgment wisely. Ask an attorney whether or not subjective judgment can be applied to the speeding laws in your state.

3. Request supporting information from the police department.

You are entitled to ask for information regarding the radar gun used to clock your speed at the time a ticket was issued and the maintenance records for the gun in question. Without regular maintenance and proper calibration, it can be impossible for a radar gun to accurately measure speed.

By requesting supporting information from the police department, you may be able to prove that the radar gun was not cared for according to the manufacturer's directions, rendering its use to determine you were speeding inadmissible. If you are having difficulty obtaining the information you need, contact an attorney for help.

Knowing how to fight a speeding ticket will help you avoid paying for traffic citations you feel were issued in error. Click for more information.

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