Didn't think I'd get away with them dropping it but figured i'd ask.
And the only person who can definitively answer that question for you is the judge. Worst that can happen is that he/she will say no. Give it a shot and see...
As for the engineering survey, would this be something that would need to be requested and the results collected prior to my court date? Any idea how long something like that would take?
Traffic and engineering survey ("reports" is probably a more fitting term) are utilized frequently in the setting and posting of speed limits... So its not a study that is conducted upon request. It is a report that should be available to you either via a discovery request, a Freedom of Information Act request, or simply by visiting the agency that issues such reports on a regular basis. In my state, most courts keep those survey on file as they are frequently used by the prosecution in establishing speed limits for many traffic citations that are adjudicated.
What about video evidence? Map or GPS data of speed limit signs in reference to the location the ticket said I was pulled over at. I just need a good way to prove the speed limit is not what the cop wrote. I'd rather not rely on engineering departments or other agencies likely to drag their feet if it's something I can do myself with a bit of creativity.
GPS information, video recordings, picture... etc usually lack the "foundational elements" required for them to be accepted into evidence simply because it can be difficult for the court to confirm the validity, accuracy and worthiness of the information contained therein. So while they can be accepted by some courts, such acceptance will prove to be limited in scope in comparison to a report that is issued by the agency that determined what the speed limit should be on that segment of the roadway.
