OT: Pulling a Trailer, Be careful or it will cost you. Options

[Allan]

Here is the scenario: I borrow Scott Klines trailer to bring my car home last month. Everything works out great. The following week I take it back to him. On the way there I am begining to start my merge left as the 60 and the I-5 split is getting pretty close, maybe 3-5 miles away (remember this is L.A. traffic so you need to start planning alot sooner). I'm doing exactly 50 mph. CHP pulls me over. I'm nice (really didn't know why he stopped me). I ask, "Is there a problem?". He says, "I stopped you because you are pulling a trailer in the number 2 lane". I say "Oh. I didn't know it was illegal". He asks for the usual paperwork and walks back to his car. I sit and wait for almost 10 minutes while he does all of his "Wants & Warrants" checks. I'm thinking everything is in order so he'll give me a warning and I'll be on my way. Comes back with ticket book in hand and tells me he's going to cite me, "FUCH!!!. I remain polite and sign the ticket. Guess what came in the mail yesterday?????









EIGHT HUNDRED AND SEVEN MOTHER FUCHIN DOLLARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This I will fight.

[Jakester]

I've fought a number of tickets in the last ten years and I've never regretted it. The key to success is being prepared.

I have this book Fight your Ticket and I recommend it.

If you just got the notice in the mail, you are probably working against the clock already. A few quick suggestions:

1) Discovery - you can force the officer to share with you all his notes from the ticket. this will help you prepare your defense.

2) Examine the ticket - look for any and all inconsistencies. Read and understand the code for which you were cited

3) Wear a suit and tie to court! Know that the officer will either be in his formal uniform or a suit and tie (if off duty) and you need to look as serious as he is.

4) Know your rights. 5th admendment says that you cannot be forced to testify against yourself but you have a right to cross examine your prosecution witness. If you are guilty and you decide to testify, this can be dangerous. If you decide not to testify, you have to know how to walk the line between cross examination and testimony - it's amazing how many people don't understand this simple fact at traffic court. If you are innocent, according to the facts as you know them and the vehicle code, you have nothing to lose by testifying (sounds like this is the case with you) but you still need to BE PREPARED.

5) Speed zone surveys, freeway engineering documents, past litigation, etc. are all in the public domain and will only bolster your case if you do your homework.

6) You have a right to a speedy trial ( within 45 days, I think). You can use this to your advantage by asking the cop to be there on his vacation days (i.e. no show) or, waive that right and string it out for the next 6 months so that this cop will have ZERO recollection of you and your situation and completely botch the details in court - where you can have a field day running him in circles with 100 questions.

Good luck! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/aktion035.gif)