Whats the best argument I could present in court for a stop sign violation?

Question

The cop said I "rolled" threw the stopsign when...

1) I DIDNT!

2) It was rush hour trying to get to school in the morning, and I am in NO RUSH to get to school

Help! my courtcase is tomorrow and I pleaded not guilty

Answer 1

Most often an officers testimony carries a lot more credibility with the courts than the defendant. Unless you give extremely compelling testimony or have witnesses, chances are that you’ll lose the battle.

Usually you’ll have a chance to plea bargain the ticket before trial. I’d seriously consider taking a deal if it’s offered... unless you want to go ahead and roll the dice.

Answer 2

Your honor, there I was rolling up to the intersection when all of a sudden I entered a time warp and I was transported back to Paris in the 1800s.  Events then transpired which first placed me in a brothel, and then I was involved in conspiracy to start a revolution.  This all happened in the blink of an eye, and before I knew it I was back in my car and I realized that while I was in Paris I had inadvertently rolled past the stop sign.  I plead not guilty by virtue of the time warp incident.

Answer 3

The best arguement is the truth.

Answer 4

Ask the offending officer to present evidence of your committing the crime of which you are accused.

When he is unable, ask the judge that given the officer can produce zero evidence to substantiate his claim you ran a stop sign to dismiss the case.

If you have never had any moving violations before, point that out as well.

Answer 5

It's your word against his. Sometimes, cops are so inept, that judges get annoyed when they see them in traffic court every month trying to justify writing some of the lamest tickets.

Your best bet is to try your luck. Tell the judge you stopped completely and were behind the white line, long enough to spell S-T-O-P before you proceeded through the intersection. There really isnt much more you can do. If you check to see where the cop was sitting when he watched you, maybe there's a bush or something that partially blocked his view of the stop sign. Probably not, though. If the cop is a douche and the judge knows it, he'll dismiss the ticket. If the cop sounds like he knows what he's talking about, you'll be found guilty and have to pay a fine. No big deal.

Answer 6

You have to prove to the court that you stopped completely at the stop sign. Most states require to stay motionless for 2-5 seconds before proceeding. If you just barely come to a stop and immediately go again, that could be considered "rolling" through a stop sign.

Just present your case. In absence of a witness or proving to the court you stopped, you will likely be found guilty. However, the judge may reduce your fine or waive payment. Especially if you present a compelling case.