R
rlc885
Guest
What is the name of your state? Michigan
A few months ago I was traveling on a back road and got ticketed for speeding. The officer said I was going 74 in a 55 and was going to give me a "break" so he wrote me up for 65 in a 55.
At the time of the incident my automobile's instrument cluster (dash) was defective. I know it sounds like an excuse but it really was. A week later I had the whole dash replaced for $400.
I chose to represent myself in court since the incident occured over 2 hours away from my home, and I was unable to find an attorney in that area that I could consult with.
I chose an informal hearing with the magistrate.
When i arrived the officer showed up, pulled me out of the courtroom and indicated that he was upset that he had to show up and that he normally doesnt show up for a 10 mph ticket. He then told me that I can take the ticket as charged OR when we get into the courtroom he will immediately request dismissal of the charge and REWRITE the ticket for the original charge of 74 in a 55.
I did not know what to do, but made the choice to proceed with the hearing, hoping the magistrate would have some consideration with my defective equipment situation.
The officer requested dismissal and the magistrate waited til he rewrote the ticket.
Talk about screwed!!! Well i presented my case on the defective dash and have no idea what happened as of yet. The magistrate said she would mail me her decision.
At the end of the hearing before it was adjourned...I asked that a copy or a certified "field and engineering survey" for that roadway be provided. Neither the officer or her knew what I was talking about.
I read in a book recently that this survey HAS to be done in order for an officer to legally issue a ticket. It has to be certified and within 5 years.
I may have been way out of line by asking, but apparently it confused the magistrate that a decision was not made that day.
My question.....
If I lose the case, am I done or should I appeal and get an attorney. I spoke with some local attorneys in the area and they said it may be too late to seek council considering Ive already appearred.
Is the field survey necessary?
Any suggestions or recommendations on this matter?
RC
A few months ago I was traveling on a back road and got ticketed for speeding. The officer said I was going 74 in a 55 and was going to give me a "break" so he wrote me up for 65 in a 55.
At the time of the incident my automobile's instrument cluster (dash) was defective. I know it sounds like an excuse but it really was. A week later I had the whole dash replaced for $400.
I chose to represent myself in court since the incident occured over 2 hours away from my home, and I was unable to find an attorney in that area that I could consult with.
I chose an informal hearing with the magistrate.
When i arrived the officer showed up, pulled me out of the courtroom and indicated that he was upset that he had to show up and that he normally doesnt show up for a 10 mph ticket. He then told me that I can take the ticket as charged OR when we get into the courtroom he will immediately request dismissal of the charge and REWRITE the ticket for the original charge of 74 in a 55.
I did not know what to do, but made the choice to proceed with the hearing, hoping the magistrate would have some consideration with my defective equipment situation.
The officer requested dismissal and the magistrate waited til he rewrote the ticket.
Talk about screwed!!! Well i presented my case on the defective dash and have no idea what happened as of yet. The magistrate said she would mail me her decision.
At the end of the hearing before it was adjourned...I asked that a copy or a certified "field and engineering survey" for that roadway be provided. Neither the officer or her knew what I was talking about.
I read in a book recently that this survey HAS to be done in order for an officer to legally issue a ticket. It has to be certified and within 5 years.
I may have been way out of line by asking, but apparently it confused the magistrate that a decision was not made that day.
My question.....
If I lose the case, am I done or should I appeal and get an attorney. I spoke with some local attorneys in the area and they said it may be too late to seek council considering Ive already appearred.
Is the field survey necessary?
Any suggestions or recommendations on this matter?
RC