Speeding Ticket

What is the name of your state? Georgia

I was traveling this weekend with 3 other family members. The normal speed limit on I-16 in Georgia is 70 mph. I was traveling between 70-75 mph for the majority of the time driving. At one point, Iwas passing some cars, and sped up to around 85-87. I realized a police car was behind me pulling me over.

Instead of writing me the ticket at the door, he asked me to come to the back of the car, which I thought was odd. (I now think it was because he did not want any witnesses (my family members) to be able to repeat what he said to me). I have only had one other speeding ticket in my life. I am 48 years old. He asked me if I knew at what speed he had "tracked" me. I admited that Ihad sped up at one point. He said I was in a 60 mph zone and that I was going 103 mph!!!!! NEVER have I gone that fast. I was flustered because I knew that was untrue. It turned out it was a 60 mph zone for a few miles, and I was at fault for not realizing that, BUT, I was NOT going 103!!!

I told him repeatedly I was not. He said that I could come to court and figure it out there. I asked him "arent you required to show me the "tracking device" radar, or whatever it is you used to claim I was going 103 mph. He said "it is called a speedometer"

I argued some more, but to no avail. I signed the ticket, but then later I reviewed it, and realized he indicated on the ticket that he tracked me by radar. There is a box to check as to whether the driver requested to verify the accuracy of the radar equipment (which, of course, was not checked). I did request that in so many words, and the answer I got was as above.

Needless to say I am furious. I readily admit I was speeding, but at the most it was 87, and probably more like 85. NOT 103 mph!

Also, he said that he tracked me for 3 miles, but after I got the ticket from him we watched him, and he hid in a ravine and waited there for the next victim, and then pulled them over. HE DID NOT TRACK ANYONE, and I DO NOT BELIEVE HE TRACKED ME.

I want to fight this, but do I have a chance to win if I do?

[lwpat]

" I asked him "arent you required to show me the "tracking device" radar, or whatever it is you used to claim I was going 103 mph. He said "it is called a speedometer" "

There is no requirement that the officer show you the radar in any state. In this case it was a pacing ticket.

"Instead of writing me the ticket at the door, he asked me to come to the back of the car, which I thought was odd."

He was probably concerned for his safety on the side of the interstate. We had a trooper killed recently in our state standing beside the car. There is nothing unusual about this.

"I admited that Ihad sped up at one point."

You have just admitted that you were speeding and he can use this against you in court. Don't lie but never admit anything.

"It turned out it was a 60 mph zone for a few miles"

They can write as many tickets as they want. The fishing is easy.

" HE DID NOT TRACK ANYONE, and I DO NOT BELIEVE HE TRACKED ME."

Immaterial. It is his word against yours. He wins and you admitted to being guilty.

"I want to fight this, but do I have a chance to win if I do?"

Yes, there is always a chance, just not a very good one. How far do you live from the court and how convenient is it for you do send several days in traffic court? How much will this cost you in insurance premiums over the next three years? You need to call your insurance agent and ask. You may get an expensive surprise.

Will the court allow you to take traffic school and keep the speeding ticket off your record? Call the clerk and ask. Make a careful note of the court date. You must not miss it or you will be in worse trouble. While talking to the clerk find out the procedures for pleading not guilty, if bond is required and for requesting continuances.

You will need to be able to answer all of these before you can make a decision on the best way to proceed.

NOTICE- The author of this post is not an attorney. The
information presented here is the result of the authors
research and thirty years experience in the legal codes,
cases and practices of the States of North and South Carolina,
and the county in which author resides and is for general
information only. Be advised the legal codes, cases, and
practices of any other state or county could vary greatly.
If you need legal advice contact an attorney.

Thanks for your reply. It was helpful.