Contesting a speeding ticket

[MarcMichaud]

Is it possible to contest a speeding ticket if the speed limit sign is not visible from a distance because it is blocked by a large bush infront of it? I would assume that speed limit signs have to be visible from a certain distance. I am just curious i am considering contesting a ticket.

[2001SilverGTS]

Take a picture of the said "bush" and take it to court and see what the judge says...

[bagodoosh]

sounds reasonable. like said above, take a pic at different distances approaching the sign. also take a map and mark where the sign is located and where the officer stopped you. also where you entered the road. if there was a posted speed sign previous to that, you wont have much of an argument, unless it was at a higher speed. this could work assuming you were not speeding excessively.

[alphasubzero949]

Take pics of the bush obstructing the sign, where you were...etc.

Also take a pic of the officer's position where you first saw him.

[JohnnyG101]

taking a pic of a the obstructed speed limit sign will do nothing for you...when you dont see a speed limit sign your drivers handbook tell you to assume a certain limit. It this sight was a stop sign then it may work. but good luck anyways.

[zildjin5]

All tickets are worth contesting because theres that small chance the cop might not show up. Then it doesn't matter if the sign was there or not. If you realy think your argument is dead and the cop IS there, then just say you plead guilty and pay the fine. At least there was that tiny possibility the cop didn't show.

Do cops get paid overtime or is there any incentive for them going to court to prosecute yoU?

[Stnicralisk]

Cops get paid overtime. Even if the officer doesnt show up the state can proceed against you.

You can proceed to contest the ticket in a trial without your presense required. Basically you can write a letter stating your case to the courts and the officer will respond. You will get your result in the mail. If you are unhappy with this you can go to court in person and state your case.

I am not sure if this is in all states but you could find out easily. I think the legal term is Trial De Nevo. Someone help me out with the name.

[draygo]

It all depends on what state you are in. In CA you can fight the ticket via mail. Meaning the cop has to fill out more paper work and if he doesnt turn in the paperwork in time the case will be dismissed. That is fact and proved. Also if you lose the mail case you can also petition for a court hearing. By this time (usually 6-8 months after the the ticket was given) the cop might not even remember. If the cop doesnt have a clear memory the judge will dismiss the case. Finally if the cop does remember the judge will more than likely let you take traffic school.

If the ticket was issued in CA go to www.ticketassassin.com they have good info on CA residents rights.

[alphasubzero949]

Originally posted by Stnicralisk
Cops get paid overtime. Even if the officer doesnt show up the state can proceed against you.



Not in CA. The officer serves as the "prosecutor" and is required to make an appearance to testify against the defendant.

The Trial de Novo, at least in CA, only applies to cases that began as Trial by Declarations (written statements to the court). It is an in-person trial where both the officer and the defendant are required to appear. The previous verdict is voided if the defendant requests a trial de novo within 20 days of the verdict. If the officer fails to show up, the case is dismissed. If the defendant fails to show up, the case is forfeited.

[CAVBOYGT]

get dream team lawyer like OJ simpson LOL jk. let be serious, take a pic and go to court, like early in the morning, bec. they only allowed the first 50 people in the court. and theres a diff too between maxium speed limit 35mph and speed limit 35mph.