Thrown in jail last night for speeding?

Question

Ok... so heres what happened I was following a friend on my motorcycle on the highway, he enters the on ramp and he is going fairly fast, Im behind him by about 300 yards and im not going nearly as fast as him. I get on the highway and hes way up there and getting in the turning lane to due a u turn, the cop pulls us both over so we get to the shoulder. He tells my friend ( In a sports car ) that he was going 93 and clocked and that I was doing the same. He slaps handcuffs on us and takes us to jail.. from what I heard later is that they cant get a reading on 2 vehicles and would have only gotten my friends reading but used his and said it was mine as well.. So Im booked in jail this morning from 12-4 am and the booker pretty much tells me I got screwed. and this morning I just paid, 186 for impounded bike and also 150.00 for bail.. plus a ticket for reckless driving.. is there anything I can do? I was speeding but only about 85 in a 65 maybe a little less and not recklessly.

Answer 1

if u go over the speed limit by 30. the cop has the right to throw u in jail and make u go to court.

too bad u paid the ticket already. i think in ur case. u could of went to court and win ur case. were u dont have to pay for anything. since the cop never caught u on his radar. he's got no proof.

reckless driving just means u were going fast, doesnt have to mean u were swerving all over the place. changing lanes, here and there.

Answer 2

In my state, 20mph or more over the posted speed limit then it is arrest. If I'm under that maximum, I get a citation and can continue to my destination.

Answer 3

If you have the time and resources you should follow your case through the court system long enough to consult with an attorney in your state (if you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed to you for free as long as you ask for one at your arraignment date or follow the steps that may have been outlined for you in paperwork you have already).

You were not thrown in jail for the violation of speeding, you were arrested for the crime of reckless driving (there is a big difference as speeding is only punishable by fines and other sanctions while reckless driving is likely punishable by a year in jail in your state). Don't worry, your not going to jail for a year but it is important you consult with an attorney because you have other things at stake (for example, loss of license etc.).  

The helpful news for you is that because you've been charged with a heightened charge you enjoy heightened rights that your attorney (even court appointed) will be able to use to protect you.

The police must prove BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT the charges against you and that can be difficult fo them to do if your attorney/public defender can attack the accuracy of the readings.  It is definitely worth looking into!

Answer 4

You broke the law, you pay the price.

Only 85 in a 65 is 20 mph over the speed limit and you know it.

Get over your theory that its ok for you to break the laws and get away with c**p.

Answer 5

Thats a myth, radar can pick up two wheeled motorcycles.... Dont feel so bad, i got pulled over on my Yamaha YZF R1 two years ago doing 110 in a 45!

You were doing 93 like the radar said, so making excuses, face the punishment!

Answer 6

You should certainly show up for your court date and fight the ticket.  1) even if the judge doesn't believe you, it is your ONLY chance to get some leniency. 2) you're right, they can't clock 2 at once - but a reasonable police officer CAN infer that you were both traveling at the same speed.  That info may get your charges reduced a bit because the officer won't have the exact evidence necessary to convict you.

As for what you've already paid - sorry, that's the cost of justice.  I think in most places you'll get your bail money back if you show up for court.

Answer 7

what start are in? jail for speeding? seriously?

Answer 8

My radar can show more than one target speed.  MPH Python III FS.  It shows the strongest signal and the fastest signal at the same time.  

The person booking you was probably a corrections deputy.  They are not police and don't generally have a great grasp of the laws.  This could be different in your state but not in WA.

Your best bet is to do one of two things.  Hire a good attorney and hope to get a break or throw yourself at the mercy of the court, plead temporary stupidity and hope for the best.

Answer 9

Anyone going 85 on a motorcycle is speeding recklessly.  He might have screwed you, but maybe it'll cause you to stop, think and slow down before you kill yourself or someone else.

Answer 10

So the radar picks up one vehicle going 93 mph.  The other is following it maintaining the same distance.....  how fast is the other vehicle going?

Police do not need to establish your speed based on radar.

85 in a 65 "maybe a little"......  but not recklessly.

On a motorcycle???  You do realize that at 85 mph a little vibration in the front tire from a small object in the road will kill you.......

You need to slow down and quit blaming the police for your decision to speed.  Man up, pay the fine and take responsibility for your actions.