Best ways to fight a speeding ticket when the cop used a radar.
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Best ways to fight a speeding ticket when the cop used a radar.
The cop that pulled me over was sitting on a bridge on top of the highway that I
was driving on. I got about a mile or 2 down the road and noticed that he was
following behind me. He pulled me over and said I was going 5 under the speed
limit which is 65 and I was going 60, and then proceeded to say that he clocked
me on his radar going 74 in a 65…My question is how can I fight this? I have a
court date on October 3rd.
Asked on September 29, 2016 under General Practice, Pennsylvania
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
You most likely can't "fight" it: while you can request as "discovery" (information & documentation the other side must share with you) information about the calibration and testing of the radar gun and the cop's training in using it, in my experience, that information will come back showing that the gun worked right and the officer was properly trained. If that occurs--and again, it's my experience that that's what will likely occur, since the police departments know how to use and maintain radar--then the judge will believe the sworn, allegedly impartial police office that he clocked you correctly. Only if, against expectations, such discovery shows a problem with the gun's maintenance or the officer's training with it are you likely to have any chance of convincing the judge he's wrong.
You are much more likely to be able to negotiate a more favorable plea--no or fewer points, and/or a lesser fine. Speak to the prosecutor before court (show up early); be respectful and contrite; stay you thought you were at or maybe just a few (e.g. 2 - 4) miles over the limit at most, but don't get belligerant or argue the point--just state it. If you otherwise have a clean record, most prosecutors will offer you a favorable deal.
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