Police officer overstated my speeding on a citation?

deviousatbest

The court is heavily inclined to believe the officer. After all, this is not a common occurrence, if it even is.
If you're passionate about your innocence, make sure to inquire about the methodology he used to tag you going at 80. Sometimes, unproven technology is enough to convince a judge that there isn't real evidence of an offense. You're likely to fare better if you have a pristine driving record, and you can show up in the court and plead with the judge, explaining the situation. Maybe (s)he will drop it to a lesser offense, which is still good in terms of demerit points and how much you pay in insurance on later.

Honestly, if you're true in what you're saying, definitely make a rigorous effort to combat the erroneous charge, and most times, if you are clean then things lean your way. If nothing else, I would pay money to contest the sham charge for the principle of it. Sometimes you don't have that option though. Good Luck, and next time consider a radar detector.

EDIT: If your speedometer malfunctioned, that's usually a good reason for a defense against the speeding rap. You need to explore that avenue with someone who works at a service station and whom you might know as a friend.

I find it humorous that people are apalled at you allegedly doing 80, when at least around here, 80 can be maintained in front of state police hidden in the cut, as a matter of routine commuting. Maybe I-495 and the driving here is more heavy duty, but 80 is not even far and you can reach it with your thoughts wandering. Now, 90 takes gas and makes you apparent in the flow of traffic (or up ahead of it),. I guess you only get pulled over at high speeds if it's a longstanding habit, because I get impatient and fly sometimes and have been fortunate enough to escape the wrath of flashing lights.

silvercharm516

Something for you to think about...

You may have been doing 60 when you saw the officer. But how fast were you going when he saw you? By the time you see us, it's too late. We've usually clocked you well before that event.

We have no reason to lie about something like that. Speeders are a dime a dozen and we can catch someone going 80 if we just wait another 30-60 seconds. It's not worth our time to make stuff up.

We do not work on "commission". I make the same amount whether I write 1 ticket or 20. Changing the offense does not affect my pay positively in any way. However, if I get caught altering the offense, I would be terminated which would make my pay $0. Trust me, you're little speeding ticket isn't worth throwing away a career.

Now look on the ticket. Does it indicate what was used to clock you? RADAR, VASCAR, Pacing? If it's anything other than pacing, they have an electronic record of you being caught speeding. That'll tell you that you got caught long before you saw the officer.

Rock Firestorm

First off, it makes absolutely no difference to the cop if your ticket is 60 or 80. He doesn't get paid more money for higher tickets or for giving out more tickets. He's doing his job the same way you flip burgers at your job or whatever is it you do. Do you get more money if you flip more burgers? No.

Second, you were doing it. For once, I'd love to see one of you whining speeders just go "yeah, I goofed, I did it, he got me and I'm going to be responsible for once in my life and take care of it."

But that will never happen.

mariner31

You don't mention the STATE you live in, but in MOST states the officer is either required to determine your speed with a radar-gun or a calibrated speedometer.

So, I DOUBT the officer was lying !!

ALSO, in most cases +/- 5mph off the speed-limit is ignored... I've been doing 60 in a 55mph zone because it is the speed of traffic, the road and weather are clear... and I have been PASSED by the CHP officer as he goes looking for someone DOING 80 mph.

Haggi

Are you sure your speedo is accurate and/or you didn't underestimate the speed you were travelling at? Speedos can need claibrating etc.

SickOfSocialism

Deal with it. There's nothing you can do except go the f-ing speed limit

Death Panelist

Cops get paid the same whether you get a speeding ticket or not. They don't receive bonuses or incentives directly from fine money. If you're so worked up about it, try driving the speed limit instead of going 80 in a 55. Then, you won't have to care about feeding a cop's family.

Quit whining and complaining. Man up and pay the ticket.

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