Would you fight it or not? Ticket question...

[feralmerril]

I cant say too much. I hear I have a cousin married to a trooper in that area, but I wouldnt know him if I seen him. Outside of that one ticket I didnt have any trouble back there. I was on the conservation dept for a six month appointment there in 1962. I really enjoyed it. I was suppose to go back on as a seasonal warden for my next stretch, but went on to something else. I had worked the fisherys div, and in those days if you worked over six months they had to make you permanet. It was a fun job working research with biologists etc. $320s a month in those days, and they owned you!

 

[venomballistics]

Now that I got my coffee Ill tell you about one of the funnier ones.
in the month prior I got nailed 3 times for loud exhaust.... by the same cop.
each time its the same game .. fix it report for inspection within five days.
first trip through the game I fixed it myself .. reported and passed inspection.... a week later "Hey what pretty lights you have" yup exhaust violation ... again ... off to the shop where I spent $30 to have em tell me they couldnt find anything wrong. ... report pass .. repeat.
I gave it a once over and reported for equipment inspection a third time .. passed again.
then number 4 I was with a friend, and more than a little annoyed to begin with .... thats when the lightshow started ... yup its dannyboy K again .. how much ya wanna bet its exhaust.
I started to lose my cool this time around .. it was getting old.
it was also 15 min from inspection closing ... I took the violation slip and drove directly there in plain site of dannyboy
I was in and out before he could protest inspection of the untouched car.
as he stepped back out I handed him the inspection pass slip and told him to grow up.

 

[LHS]

Fight it.
In high school (1982) my biology teacher got a ticket for littering when he threw an apple core out. He pleaded not guilty, took a day off school, and gave a 45 minute lecture as to why it was better for the enviroment to throw it out the window (animal food) than to rot in a landfil (creating deadly gases). The judge threw out the ticket.
Best thing was, we was scheduled for a test the next day, but he was so happy he didn't give it to us!

 

[feralmerril]

VB, that reminds me of this guy who totaled his car on the way to work. He got to work and was fired. Went home and found a note on the table where his wife had run off. He crawled across the road to church, crawled to the alter and asked the lord about his luck. He hears thunder and a voice from heaven that says,--- My son, I dont know what it is, but their is just something about you that I dont like!
That must be your cop friends thinking!

 

[venomballistics]

Nah, it was a fair handful factors that came together under a bad mood rising.
First, it was well established tradition for LE to pinch the youth early on, probably in an attempt to let us all know we weren't getting away with anything .. which is fine I suppose. At that age we need something to counter our delusions of immortality. Sadly that essence got lost and we were there to be fleeced.
second factor .. my car at the time was identical to that of a little old lady who could not safely operate a vehicle. I saw her wipe out a good many things pulling out of a gas station one day.
description of the car went in ... and I looked more likely to be a menace to society than the near centenarian with the crushed Marlborough sign lodged in the grill.
add to that my name ... well we all read about em in the funny papers ... for every goofball you read about, theirs a family they belong to that lives in shame ... I too was part of the same family as one such goofball... Agent Orange exposure is not conducive to mental stability.
Not to say I was a saint or performed miracles.
when I did screw up, I knew I did, and I knew I had a price to pay when I got caught in my misadventures of youth.
Most of the time it was unfounded harassment based in one or more of the above which got me some extra special treatment on top of the usual special treatment everyone else got.
I wish I saw that old lady sooner ... a bucket of spray paint might have saved me some pain ... how much im unsure.
Karma did throw me a bone every so often.
I was an alter boy at the time, If your Catholic, you might recall the pattens used during communion, which put us in a great place to make a statement. In dannyboys arrogance he crossed the isle to strut in my face ... liturgical violation as it may have been, I was compelled to turn my back on him in disgust.

 

[LHS]

When I worked in Ontario, Ohio, the Mansfield police dept set up a speed trap on Route 30 right before the 430 exit. They would sit on the overpass on Trimble Rd with the radar gun and call the cars setting up the road. It was needed as it was a speed zone. I never got zapped, as I always drove 5 miles under the limit through there.

A co-worker got a ticket on Monday at 11:55 for doing 70 in a 55, another on Tuesday at 11:57 for doing 72, another Wed at 12:04 doing 69, was off Thursday, and he got another on Friday at 12:01 for doing 73. He said the officer (same one as all the previous tickets) asked him "Are you just stupid or what?", and told him to get out of his car as he was going to get a free ride to the station. He never did say what his total $$ was he paid, but we did know his wife brought him to work until he got driving privledges which he lost 6 weeks later due to another ticket - yep - You guessed it - same speed trap doing 70mph at 11:55AM! The big dummy.

 

[kennyb]

Trooper David J. DeLaittre | Montana Highway Patrol, Montana

Yes, for sure, Montana Highway Patrol Troopers are NOTHING but mere revenue collectors who pick on innocent parties.

Be thou at peace, Trooper DeLaittre.

prayers are 10-76 up north

 

[kennyb]

A sad reminder of the dangers facing our police, firefighters, correction officers, park rangers, etc EVERY day of the year. No place is safe anymore.
Only 23 yo

have to plus one mike

 

[nicky4968]

Go and fight it. 26 years old, I was given a ticket for reckless driving (unwarranted, I do believe). At that time in Colorado, it was an automatic revocation for one year on a conviction.
On the day of trial, I sat down across the table from the Denver City Attorney. I was holding my three-year-old son in my lap. I demanded a jury trial. (Judge was doing morning docket; then me).
The look on the judge's face was priceless when he advised me, "Mr. Francis, I understand you have reached a plea agreement with the City Attorney. He agrees to dismiss the charge of reckless driving if you plead to" . . . . . long pause and looking over his glasses at the prosecutor . . . . . "having dirty windows on your vehicle, against the peace and dignity of the City and County of Denver and the People of the State of Colorado".

 

[bobcat]

"having dirty windows on your vehicle", lol, now there's a new one. I didn't know there was such an ordinance. I know it's not funny to get jacked around for dirty windows, but dang, talk about wanting to save face.

 

[rondo]

I've fought two tickets that I felt I did not deserve. Both in "night court", and both were dismissed due to the issuing officer not showing up. I did have to wait around until the end just in case the officers were late. It was entertaining.

I have had my share of tickets, but only two that were IMO bogus. On the other hand, I was pulled over once, by a very nice California Highway Patrol Officer (I'm from Oregon), and said he clocked me at 91MPH.

I thought it was more like 95 and told him so and that I certainly deserve a ticket - a big one at that. He let me off with a warning & said "nobody ever says that" and that it was refreshing to hear, just slow down and get home safe. I did just that.

You never know.

 

[venomballistics]

"having dirty windows on your vehicle", lol, now there's a new one. I didn't know there was such an ordinance. I know it's not funny to get jacked around for dirty windows, but dang, talk about wanting to save face.

got that one too ... $45 at the time as I recall

 

[427mach1]

I had to drive home from the drag races with open headers at 1 AM one time. A big block Mustang with an open exhaust can rattle windows. I made it home without incident but the next week the cops were waiting outside the gate at the drag strip giving tickets for open exhaust and obstructed vision (shoe polish numbers on the windshield).

 

[venomballistics]

Wow ... it's post 1000 for me
So Ill get a cup of coffee and see what happens when I drop the engine of righteous rage's crankshaft into the five speed at redline and see what happens .... just to make it special.


And now the rest of the church incident story.
Of course Fr. Dave lit into me ... or tried to.
You see Dannyboy didn't normally attend this parish. I believe he stalked me there, and no one will ever tell me any different.
the bogus citation count was 106 not counting the one I properly earned. lights out that weren't, parking too close to the curb, too far away from the curb, loud exhaust that wasnt, music too loud, bald tires, disorderly conduct in a parked vehicle the list could compile the whole of the nations petty laws. while many of the equipment violations did not carry fines at the time, between the ones that did and the expense to comply, I had no possible way of going on to college.
the day came that my finances broke even so I quit my job so I did not have to drive in that town.
Through the abuse of his and his fellow officers authority, they took the future I should have been left alone to earn.
I related this to Fr Dave in a "far less than discrete manor" closing my argument with "I'll forgive them when they are dead and only if my anger fades"

Since my younger form my morality is better defined today, which seems to add to my rage on the subject of abuse of athority.
If on the other side of life, I am called to bear witness in the court of the almighty, three officers, and only three will have a chance to pass into paradise... and dannyboy aint one of them.


I cannot look upon the brilliant balance within this universe and not see what must be the divine work of Gods hands. the deeper you search the more exquisite this machine becomes.
I cannot look at the trials within all of our lives within this creation and not see we are being forged and sorted before we pass this Earth.
if not, we have no purpose at all.

Bobcat ... fight it or dont, its up to you.
but do read into my posts, see the rage and disgust in my words.
Im not sure how it works on the other side. but if you create someone like me. he may be laying for you on the other side if you do so unjustly.
It just cannot end at the casket my friend and that realization may forge you into a Charlie Sherrill grade law enforcement officer.
read up on some of his back posts some time. Its great reading to go along with the fact that he truly enjoys many of the people he works with ... or over
its not mine to call .. but I think he'll make it past his witnesses... besides ... who'd run the gun range on the other side

 

[feralmerril]

VB, years back when I went through trials and tribulations my dad had a favorite saying; "Sometimes these things are blessings in disguise". Sometimes I got sick of hearing that! Might be your life was somehow saved by being broke, paying those tickets!
Years back dad was mad as he thought the only ticket he got in his life was a bum ticket in a speed trap. It really was a funny story. Dad and mom were retired. They had been on a trip to the gulf coast. They were headed home late at night trying to make it home to save a extra motel bill. Dad got caught in a speed trap somewhere in southern wisconsin. Sounds like it was one of those 65/45/25 posts all in a few hundred yards. One of dads brothers looked a lot like dad. A few weeks later uncle herb come through the same area at the same time. He got pulled over and the cop says, didnt I ticket you a couple weeks ago? Herb also clammed thats the only ticket he ever got in his life too!

 

[crsides]

Fight it. You'll feel better no matter what the outcome.


Charlie

 

[Bullseye Smith]

Fight it, and wear the Uniform.

 

[venomballistics]

Yes FM .. many things do fit that description. cant for the life of me see how that experience fits it though.
was at the mother in laws for thanksgiving dinner.
everything went great up to the goodbye hugs.
her grand kids had left, my wife and I were the last to leave. she came to hug me and we heard the snap crackle and pop when her cancer weakened shoulder turned to dust.
The blessing is that it did not happen for her grandchildren nor did they have to see nor hear that horrible sound. and she had us there to help her. We figure it would have happened later in the day, or week when she was alone. the trauma pain and shock would have made for a bad ending otherwise.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
I think you are going to "Fight" the citation. As an "Old Flatfoot" I also know you will have all your ducks in a row. Photos, overview chart, witness, and copy of the Traffic Statute that you violated. Shirt, tie, and dress slacks. We both know that wearing the uniform in court when you are appearing as a "Violator" is a "No-No. If the Judge doesn't ask, it will be apparent that you are a LEO by the way you present your case.
Good luck and Stay Safe,
Jimmy

 

[DeathGrip]

Hi:
I think you are going to "Fight" the citation. As an "Old Flatfoot" I also know you will have all your ducks in a row. Photos, overview chart, witness, and copy of the Traffic Statute that you violated. Shirt, tie, and dress slacks. We both know that wearing the uniform in court when you are appearing as a "Violator" is a "No-No. If the Judge doesn't ask, it will be apparent that you are a LEO by the way you present your case.
Good luck and Stay Safe,
Jimmy

I think your on to something.A little "cop speak" when you present your case will go a long way.The judge should pick up on it real quick.
Good one jimmyj

 

[The Big D]

So, you LEO bashers continue to have your days. Somewhat sickening, yet again.

Yes, before you ask: I have gotten well-deserved violation notices even whilst employed. Yes, I took it like a man; deserved the results of my bad decisions.

To those of you who suggest the violator wear his/her LEO uniform to court: You have no understanding of the profession whatsoever. Unbelievable.

Funny how all of you who got your "I didn't do it" tickets were wholly innocent and yet found yourselves in the presence of LEO's who somehow selected you. Hmmmmmm...

BTW, most of you (you know who you are; you chose the term) would be in better shape in court if you used the term "contest" rather than "fight." You may wish to consider that; doubt you will.

To the OP, you should be ashamed of your UNPROFESSIONAL choice of words describing the Trooper who cited you. Nice.

 

[semperfi71]

I am not an LEO. I have had good ones keep me out of trouble and cut me slack. I have had one or two officers who where having a bad day try to take it out on me. I stood my ground and it worked out. I was lucky.

NEVER let any government entity create a "black mark" (no matter how small) on any record of your existence. It could easily come up again when you are getting your first, real deserved "black mark" and be used against you. We all make mistakes in judgement but should not suffer for someone else's lack thereof.

I suggest you go there and respectfully dispute the ticket with your wife as witness and evidence you collected. If the judge is fair, you should be okay. Then I would go home, write a certified, receipt requested letter to the very top officer of the young officer's department illustrating everything that happened, in a respectfull manner as well.

I would bet the "boss" cop won't be happy about a young, over-enthused young man putting a bit of a black eye on the department. Your use of the mailed letter will be proof to the "top-cop" that you are serious about the issue enough to cause "documentation" that will give him pause, if he is smart.

 

[The Big D]

... Then I would go home, write a certified, receipt requested letter to the very top officer of the young officer's department illustrating everything that happened, in a respectfull manner as well.

I would bet the "boss" cop won't be happy about a young, over-enthused young man putting a bit of a black eye on the department. Your use of the mailed letter will be proof to the "top-cop" that you are serious about the issue enough to cause "documentation" that will give him pause, if he is smart.

Great idea!!! And DO include a copy of your post herein that describes your interaction with the Trooper who lied on an official document.

You should copy your boss with all correspondence; in the Federal sector bosses like to know whenever LEO's in their command were unjustly charged. Could be a conspiracy. They also like to know when their personnel appear in court...as violators. Note that on your leave request. Almost guarantees approval.

 

[feralmerril]

We are wearing this out. I just have one thing to add. Many better jobs in this country are in defense plants or similar. Depending on the level of clearances, you have to report even traffic tickets of $50s or more. Maybe its raised with the times since I retired. If anyone feels they were given a ticket wrongly and thinks its cheaper to pay it than travel to fight it, or whatever, it can bite you in the butt later!
I worked in a defense aircraft plant for 35 years as a lowly night watchman. Probley was the worlds most boreing job, but also paid the highest any guard could hope for. We had to have spotless records was the main qualification. I am not just talking about the security dept, but all the workers on secret programs. The difference might be working at jiffy lube, or makeing a 100G a year in defense plants. Keep your record clean!

 

[ladder13]

To those of you who suggest the violator wear his/her LEO uniform to court: You have no understanding of the profession whatsoever. Unbelievable.

+1 only to be worn for official duties. Heck, we couldn't even wear a Dept t-shirt off the job. Too many "young bucks" used to like hitting the bars after work wearing Dep't clothing. They liked to impress the young ladies, except the Commish got calls about the "on-duty" personnel sitting at the bar.

 

[thomp45acp]

Why would a LEO ask a forum about contesting a ticket? I know its a form of venting. Should he not have knowledge and or training on radar, court, policy of his own department that will mirror/be the same as statute if he got the citation in the same state he works in? Or be very similar. I do know tire pressure and correctly calibrated speedometer on a personal vehicle play factors when we at times think we are following speed laws and might be doing more or less then whats posted. You know a vehicle is a man made machine that breaks down and is not always up to code. A good radar and operator is checked and the calibration is checked i say more often then we check our vehicle. I am not trying to saying whats right or wrong. Just putting my thoughts in like everyone else.

 

[MTS Cop]

I'm not familiar with customs and practices in other parts of the country, but why didn't you ID yourself to the Trooper? SOP in NYC is to have your ID card out before the officer approaches the car so they see it right away. I'm always a little on edge doing carstops (as I imagine most of us are) and I appreciate seeing a shield/ID card right away so I can relax. Given the proper attitude, i.e. the off duty doesn't say "I'm a cop you can't write me", the stop lasts about 5 seconds. Granted I've only ever been stopped by my own department but doing this I've never had a problem.

And wearing your uniform to traffic court is about the worst thing you can do. Speak to the Trooper before the hearing and hopefully he gets a sudden case of amnesia. And may I suggest being a little more amicable than you were in that post, professional courtesy works both ways. If this guy is that much of a jerk off there are ways to handle him (union delegates, FOP reps or what have you).

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I was an alter boy at the time, If your Catholic, you might recall the pattens used during communion, which put us in a great place to make a statement.

Being a good Jesuit raised alter boy myself-I do remember the pattens. I raked many a throats in my day

 

[venomballistics]

So, you LEO bashers continue to have your days. Somewhat sickening, yet again.

Yes, before you ask: I have gotten well-deserved violation notices even whilst employed. Yes, I took it like a man; deserved the results of my bad decisions.

To those of you who suggest the violator wear his/her LEO uniform to court: You have no understanding of the profession whatsoever. Unbelievable.

Funny how all of you who got your "I didn't do it" tickets were wholly innocent and yet found yourselves in the presence of LEO's who somehow selected you. Hmmmmmm...

before you paint me as a blind LEO basher allow me to point out that I speak of a specific department. even within that department, I find no fault in three of its officers despite one really good violation citation that resides framed upon the wall of fame behind the 900 Horsepower mustang that it was earned it.
willpower is no match for horsepower and that equation can, and did, rack up half the book in half a block.
I was riding shotgun when that 10.5" SVO clutch hooked up. I saw the asphalt plummet leaving blue sky in the windshield.
when the asphalt levitated back in to view, it was accompanied by rotating lights ... had that one coming. it was costly. I find no fault in the officer ....

speaking of officers Ill borrow a quote out of a great LEO's post and show you why I think he is great.

Raymone was the first to break. The footprint got him talking. Tyrone and Tavarious still weren't saying anything. When I got off at 5:00 p.m. they still weren't talking. I suspect that will change later. Ramone told us where the stuff was. We went to an apartment and no one was there. Deputy Trey went to get a search warrant while I watched the apartment. Two older black guys were playing dominos out front. I got to talking and joking with them and one of them told me if I could beat him he would tell me something. I got him by five points and when his friend went inside to get rid of some beer he told me he watched a flatscreen TV being transferred from the white car to another car. He gave me a good description of the other car. We'll check it out tomorrow.

Now theres some thinking on your feet.
I dont know of another officer that would roll the dice on extending a lead quite like this.
if the apartment isnt the storage point, hes got a fair route to find the real drop point. and even if the apartment is the drop point, hes got a lead into a possible ring.
He must enjoy the people he works with to work like this.

 

[BE Mike]

I have been pulled over by mistake when I was abiding by the traffic laws. The officer operating the radar was mistaken about just who was speeding. It was a vehicle that had flown by me and cut closely in front of me as we passed the trooper with radar who was pulling into his spot. I explained the situation to the trooper who pulled me over (a different officer). He ended up letting me go without a ticket. All the time I was thinking how I was going to have to go to court and explain it to the judge.

My wife was pulled over mistakenly a couple of times and validly more than once. The first time went much like mine and the second time she went to traffic court with photos, etc. in hand. She won her case.

I would fight a ticket that was issued mistakenly or maliciously. You may lose even if you are completely innocent, but you will have tried. Fair is a place we go to to eat cotton candy and ride the rides...life ain't fair.