Paced by Highway Patrol car while merging onto freeway at 108mph, Southern California, worth taking to court?

Question

First off, no stupid replies okay? If you've ever set your cruise control in California at 65/70mph you're bound to have people tail gate you or throw things at your car. That's California for you.

With that said, here's my dilemma. I was entering the freeway via a spiral on-ramp. I was on a motorcycle and I knew I had to pick up speed because two lanes of traffic were merging into my lane trying to get onto a seperate freeway (I-15/I-10 interchange) As I increased my speed to merge away from a potential catastrophy, a CHP pig "paced" me at exactly 108 mph. I was polite and respectful when the pig pulled me over. I stated I knew I was speeding and he asked if I knew by how much. I said probably 95mph. He said, try 108mph.

I didn't argue, atleast until I got my ticket which indicated 108 on a 65mph highway. I then started to pinpoint things wrong with his vehicle (bald tires, illegal supercharger, etc). He stated we could talk about it in court. Should I fight this?

Answer 1

Illegal supercharger on police bike ? Wow, I've never heard that before.

Go ahead, take it to court... and lose, big time !

Answer 2

Should I fight this?....NO....Pay the fine and leave it alone.

Answer 3

It doesn't matter what other people do, you were the one who got caught.  Your "excuses" are not valid, so go to court and lose.

Answer 4

I THINK I WILL COPY AND PRINT YOUR QUESTION FOR MY FELLOW OFFICER SO HE WILL HAVE IT IN HIS POSSESSION WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO FIGHT THE CITATION IN COURT.  SHOULD MAKE FOR AN INTERESTING READ BY THE JUDGE.  

Listen, even if you go to court and fight the citation it will not matter.  I can guarantee you that your encounter was video taped along with your response that you think you were traveling about 95mph.  So at the very least you will be found guilty of speeding ie:  95 in a 65 mph zone.  Because that is what you admitted to.  But it will not be a hard for a judge or a jury to make the leap from 95 to 108 given your admission to your probable speed.  Best bet, take a driving course and see if the judge will give a break.  Like deferred probation.

Answer 5

Yes and 95 was a good answer btw.  Fine is $900~$950, double points against license, and maximum 30-day suspension of license.  You want to get the 22348(b) down to a 22349(a).  I know exactly what you mean because I never have people violate 23110-VC at me when I drive fast, only when I'm slow enough for them to pass me I get flaming ashes in my face.  Some kids thought it funny to throw a water balloon at my motorcycle so I forced them off the road a mile before the I-15/I-10 interchange.  The f*&^ing CHP pigs made up some bull$#@! about how it was on the borderline of San Bernardino/Riverside countyline, @#$hole pigs.  A lawyer could probably argue that he speed 108 to catch up with you rather than pace, there is a few in that area who offer an initial consultation at no charge.  And I think the hiring them might be less than the close to $1,000 ticket plus insurance cost because you're not allowed traffic school for this.

Answer 6

I agree with most of these other guys that says you might as well pay up.  The cops make notes of everything you do say and how you act on the scene.  Remember you bike slows down much faster then a car of any kind.  Arguing only makes things worse.

Answer 7

Considering the COST of the ticket... which is NOT going to be cheap AND the fact the points will make your insurance go up... I'd fight it... a lawyer can't be any more expensive than what that ticket and losing your license can cost you.  Good Luck.

Answer 8

You got caught, Pay up.

There is no situation on the freeway that would require you to travel at a speed of 108mph.

Also when you are a smart a** to an officer, it causes them to take ever more notes so they remember you even better in court. More than likely your whole conversation was captured on his belt recorder.

Have fun in court.