Speeding tickets can be tricky for the average person to fight. It is often your word against the officer’s (and his or her radar gun). If you have recently been charged with speeding in Georgia, you should contact an attorney who is experienced with the state’s traffic laws.
Many people try to use the defense that the police department did not properly maintain or calibrate their laser or radar device. This is a tricky defense to use, as you must obtain documentation about the device, regulations, and police reports about the device in question.
Electronic Devices in Speeding StopsIn Georgia, all law enforcement agencies must have basic training requirements for officers who use electronic devices to monitor speed. Officers are required to properly maintain and calibrate such devices. You may purchase these electronic device regulations or review them at a government office. If you are feeling ambitious, you can even go to a police department to look over their maintenance logs.
If you decide to question the device that was used in your case, it is important to check the maximum range at which the radar or laser device can be used in order to be considered accurate. For example, if the manufacturer of the device says that it should be used at 50 to 400 feet and the officer says that he clocked your speed from 800 feet, you may have the electronic device evidence thrown out in court.
Different Ways to Measure SpeedingAnother tactic involves taking measurements and photographs of how your car approached the police officer. You would need to figure out where you were when the officer first saw your vehicle. Using the speed listed on the ticket and the information from the radar or laser manufacturer, you can determine the distance your car would have traveled between your first point and the officer. By doing this, you may find that by the time the officer read your speed, you may have been too close to the device, therefore making that reading invalid.
Be warned, however, that even this is not a fail-proof plan. Often, the officer will use his or her speedometer to tell how fast you are going. Since police departments require maintenance of their patrol cars, the chances of having an improperly maintained electronic device and speedometer is unlikely.
Consulting With a LawyerAre you ready to fight your speeding ticket? Do not do it yourself. Our attorneys will help you question the validity of a laser or radar reading. Contact us today to discuss your case.