Re: Speeding ticket (Apologies in Advance)

[Sachelle Babbar <sbabbar@iris.nyit.edu>]

I have a lot of experience with traffic tickets. Thus far, about a dozen
traffic violations and no convictions.

1. go to your local library and read the Mc Kinney's law index. Ref
section. Two books: Vehicle traffic law (vtl) and Criminal procedural law
(cpl). Exact cases will be cited.
2. Go to the court where the case will be tried. See if there's a
"conference" to deal down on the charges on the spot or if you go straight
to see the judge, in which case, you have to be on the ball. Of course,
go to court and just see what's going on well in advance before your date.

My opinion: my experience has taught me that the traffic violations system
is crooked and full of holes. The burden of proof is on the people, not
the accused, but almost by default, the burden is placed on the accused
simply because they ususally don't know their rights. Attorney's are
mostly useless because they wanna get their money and leave after 15
minutes. They get the same plea or slightly less for $$$$. They don't
wanna go to trial with a case and piss off a judge; they may need their
back scratched later. 

Anyway, my experience isn't trying to prove yourself innocent, it's trying
to raise "reasonable doubt" to the judge. Remember the people and the cop
are on the same side so the odds are stacked against you. I would say
something along the lines (bring all vin# and dmv info) and present it to
the judge and **PROPERLY** request a dismissal on the grounds that there
is reasonable doubt that the people **have** made an error and you were
wrongfully accused. I don't condone lying, nor do I condone the highways
being terrorized by the highway patrols. Your excuse might be that another
vehicle blew by and the officer wrote his license plate down on his
notepad, and accidentally pulled you over because you were in the area.
Insist on reasonable doubt. If it's rejected, ask for an adjournment so
that you may consult cousel.

****************************************************************************
*Steve                                             Sachelle Babbar
*'87  5000CS Turbo 5spd 1.3-2.0 bar             <SBABBAR@IRIS.NYIT.EDU>
*Cockpit adjustable wastegate, AudiSport badge
*
*Disclaimer:"Any information contained herein is based purely on my own
*personal experience and may not necessarily reflect yours. Use caution as
*your results may vary from mine."
********************************************************************************
                                                                               



On Mon, 15 Nov 1999 Cynic5KS@aol.com wrote:

> Hello all,
> 
> As luck would have it for the NYS Troopers... they got me over the speed 
> limit...  I know I wasn't going as fast as he said I was going... (The 
> Bonneville passed me like I was standing still, but I happened to be the only 
> one in the left lane... However, it is bridge under the water...)
> I know people have gotten out of tickets on technicalities, (The trooper 
> wrote down the wrong plate number... myabe he was giving me a break 'cause it 
> was my B-day... who knows?), but I want to know what you actually have to say 
> at the court house...
> 
> TIA for the BTDT's...
> 
> Arden
> 85 5Ks
>