dave_xb12r
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 19, 2008
- Messages
- 6,470
Within the last year I've done a lot of research on the topic through interviewing Highway Patrol officers and online reading. This has payed off because I've fought 3 tickets and won all 3. I know that's not a lot, but consider these tips.
If you are being pulled over on your bike,
Step 1. Take off your helmet and step off your bike. Put your key under the passenger seat strap.
If you are in a car
Step 1. Take the key out and set it on the dash in plain sight or on the roof of the car. If your stereo is on, turn it off. If it's night time, turn on your dome light and map lights.
Step 2. Smile, make eye contact, keep your hands visible and call the officer "Officer" or "Sir". Don't look at him for too long, you don't want him remembering your face.
He will ask you for your license, proof of insurance and registration. Tell them where you are reaching before hand. (it's a good idea to keep these in a easy to access place so you aren't rummaging around) The point is to keep him calm and cool. If he feels comfortable, he might let you off with a warning.
Do not make excuses. If you know he stopped you for speeding, before he runs off with your license and registration, you can ask for a warning in the nicest possible way. Other than that, don't talk. Don't do anything that could make him remember you.
Step 3. After he hands you your ticket, thank him and leave. Remember, don't give him memories of you.
Step 4. When your due date is approaching, call the court and ask for a 90 day extension if possible. You may only get a 45 day extension, but anything helps. The further away from receiving the ticket, the better.
Step 5. Prepare your defense. Look on your ticket to see how he acquired your speed. If it was Lidar, you're pretty much boned, but it is possible to get out of it. I did. If it's radar, there are a ton of excuses. "When was the last time your radar was calibrated" is not a good defense. Calling the city to make sure the speed survey on that road hasn't expired is however a great defense. If it's expired, ticket automatically dismissed. There are a many defenses, do your homework. Evidence is good. Pictures are good.
Step 6. When you are in court, first thing, ask the officer if he remembers your face. He will most likely state that he remembers verifying that the person on the DL is the person he stopped, but he can't say that he remembers your face. Your ticket will be dismissed. If you add something like there was a diesel truck between the two of you when he radared you (which effects radar signals and could create false readings), his story wont match, which will cause doubt in his defense. This is good. Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty. So if his story doesn't match, the judge will think he's forgotten. Because you didn't give him any memories of you, chances are he won't remember your specific incident in it's entirety. Your case should be dismissed.
If you live in CA and you get a ticket, it's even easier to fight with "Trial by written declaration". This is basically an essay that you must write and mail in. The officer or officers will also have to write in. If They don't, dismissed. If you are found guilty, you can still go to court. I know a guy that owns a company that allows him to do this for people for a living. It's by far the most effective way to fight a ticket.
If you have questions, feel free to contact me. I'll try to help you out.
Edit: I want to add that this is all opinion based on my experiences and stories from my CHP friend. I am in no way an expert.
Yes, different states and counties have different laws. They all have loopholes. Do your homework and come up with a good defense. If you feel you really are innocent, then just state your case. But be prepared and bring a binder with your written defense in it.
If you are being pulled over on your bike,
Step 1. Take off your helmet and step off your bike. Put your key under the passenger seat strap.
If you are in a car
Step 1. Take the key out and set it on the dash in plain sight or on the roof of the car. If your stereo is on, turn it off. If it's night time, turn on your dome light and map lights.
Step 2. Smile, make eye contact, keep your hands visible and call the officer "Officer" or "Sir". Don't look at him for too long, you don't want him remembering your face.
He will ask you for your license, proof of insurance and registration. Tell them where you are reaching before hand. (it's a good idea to keep these in a easy to access place so you aren't rummaging around) The point is to keep him calm and cool. If he feels comfortable, he might let you off with a warning.
Do not make excuses. If you know he stopped you for speeding, before he runs off with your license and registration, you can ask for a warning in the nicest possible way. Other than that, don't talk. Don't do anything that could make him remember you.
Step 3. After he hands you your ticket, thank him and leave. Remember, don't give him memories of you.
Step 4. When your due date is approaching, call the court and ask for a 90 day extension if possible. You may only get a 45 day extension, but anything helps. The further away from receiving the ticket, the better.
Step 5. Prepare your defense. Look on your ticket to see how he acquired your speed. If it was Lidar, you're pretty much boned, but it is possible to get out of it. I did. If it's radar, there are a ton of excuses. "When was the last time your radar was calibrated" is not a good defense. Calling the city to make sure the speed survey on that road hasn't expired is however a great defense. If it's expired, ticket automatically dismissed. There are a many defenses, do your homework. Evidence is good. Pictures are good.
Step 6. When you are in court, first thing, ask the officer if he remembers your face. He will most likely state that he remembers verifying that the person on the DL is the person he stopped, but he can't say that he remembers your face. Your ticket will be dismissed. If you add something like there was a diesel truck between the two of you when he radared you (which effects radar signals and could create false readings), his story wont match, which will cause doubt in his defense. This is good. Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty. So if his story doesn't match, the judge will think he's forgotten. Because you didn't give him any memories of you, chances are he won't remember your specific incident in it's entirety. Your case should be dismissed.
If you live in CA and you get a ticket, it's even easier to fight with "Trial by written declaration". This is basically an essay that you must write and mail in. The officer or officers will also have to write in. If They don't, dismissed. If you are found guilty, you can still go to court. I know a guy that owns a company that allows him to do this for people for a living. It's by far the most effective way to fight a ticket.
If you have questions, feel free to contact me. I'll try to help you out.
Edit: I want to add that this is all opinion based on my experiences and stories from my CHP friend. I am in no way an expert.
Yes, different states and counties have different laws. They all have loopholes. Do your homework and come up with a good defense. If you feel you really are innocent, then just state your case. But be prepared and bring a binder with your written defense in it.
