Goodbye speeding ticket... (fwd)

[orin@netcom.com (Orin Eman)]

Forwarded message:
> From AUDI-NW-owner@u.washington.edu  Tue Aug 27 17:54:21 1996
> Message-Id: <199608280052.RAA11751@netcom2.netcom.com>
> Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 17:52:36 -0700 (PDT)
> Reply-To: orin@netcom.com
> Sender: AUDI-NW-owner@u.washington.edu
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> From: orin@netcom.com (Orin Eman)
> To: "northwest audi enthusiasts" <audi-nw@u.washington.edu>
> Subject: Goodbye speeding ticket...
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> 
> Well, we finally got to my court date.  I was too busy to handle it myself
> so I hired an attorney.  He got it dismissed on the right to a speedy
> trial - they had taken four months to get it to court.
> 
> I saw three other cases.  The first two were dismissed because the
> police office didn't show - the judge prompted the first guy by asking
> him if he had any motions once it was clear the officer wasn't there.
> As soon as they guy managed to say he wanted the case dismissed because the
> officer wasn't present, the judge granted the motion and dismissed the case.
> The next was faster - an attorney representing himself: "I'd like to make
> the same motion".  Judge: "Granted".  Attorney: "Does that mean it's
> dismissed?".  Judge: "That was the motion wasn't it?".
> 
> Then there was another guy representing himself where the cop did show up
> and just 'translated' his notes on the ticket.  The defendant tried to
> show that the speed limit sign was obscured (and seemed to succeed) but
> never challenged the speed or the radar...  he lost but the judge
> reduced the ticket by 1mph which saved about $40.
> 
> The whole thing sure looks like revenue enhancement to me.  The city
> doesn't seem to be putting much effort into prosecuting these cases.
> I guess they hope that their 'settlement conference' will persuade
> most people to accept a reduced fine rather than going to court.
> 
> BTW: This was in Seattle.
> 
> Another note: DON'T SPEED IN EDMONDS.  According to my attorney they are
> worse than Bellevue and will cite for 1mph over the limit!
> 
> 
> Orin.
>