If police track me with a laser, can I still win in court if I know I wasnt speeding?

Question

This is in Ohio. I was pulled over supposedly going 79 in a 65 mph zone. I was on my motorcycle. I told the officer that there was no way I was speeding because I was pulled over 2 months ago and almost lost my license, and that I always monitor my speed now. He didnt believe me and handed me the ticket. How accurate is a laser and was there any chance that he targeted someone else?

Answer 1

an officer must estimate your speed before using the radar.  In court, the government must produce evidence that the officer did that.  You can check the validity of the radar (was it caliberated, is it a functioning radar?  what type of certification does the officer hold?)  The officer must have proven record of being able to estimate speed.  Also, most radars are only operable when stationary or when zeroing in on opposite side of traffic.  If the cop was behind you following you, the radar will not detect your speed unless he was stationary.  Also, radars can pick up other vehicles around you, thus making the radar not very accurate.  

Answer 2

Back in about 79 I was stopped in a 18 Wheeler out in Texas, said I was going 78 MPH, but I wasn't, I was going 56 MPH, it made no difference, they take the word of the police office,

I knew the moment I met him eh was going to cross the medium and come get me, sure enough he did.

The JP I had to appear in front of was his uncle. His uncle tells me this after I opened my big mouth. Some times it pays to keep ones mouth shut.  Going 56 MPH, but being clocked at 78 MPH cost me $79.00 that day

Yes, I was going 56 MPH exactly, I knew the topper was coming at me.

Answer 3

Laser is very accurate, and it is very unlikely he would have clocked someone else. Depending on the model, the beam will only be approximately 3 feet across at 1,000 feet. You pretty much get the reading wherever the red dot is pointing.

In addition, the officer's testimony will almost always be given more credibility in court.

Answer 4

Pay your fine.

Driving is a PRIVILEGE, not a RIGHT. Maybe taking the buss for a while will re enforce that concept...........

Answer 5

If you are really convinced that you were not speeding, I recommend that you interview at least 3 attorneys who specialize in the defense of traffic tickets.

Ask them about their experience in court and their won/loss records for cases that they have tried.

Many years ago I was given a speeding ticket although I was not speeding.

I hired an attorney and won in court.

The attorney did cost me more than what the fine would have been.

However winning at trial was well worth the extra money, as far as I am concerned.

I do not have any experience with laser radar or any other radar.

The officer who gave me the ticket did not use radar.

Although radar as a technology is extremely accurate, I have heard of individual units failing and giving erroneous readings.

I recommend that you talk to an attorney in your state who specializes in the defense of traffic tickets.

Answer 6

Lasers are extremely accurate.  And it's very easy to tell which vehicle is going faster (hence why YOU were pulled over and not someone else), so I think maybe this time you may have slipped on watching your speed.  Ask for traffic school to avoid points if it's offered in your jurisdiction.