Some time ago I wrote in great detail about a speeding ticket I got and how I was going to fight it. You wanted to know how it ended. Well, the ticket was withdrawn because of the time taken to deliver the ticket to me.
However , moving through the justice system was disappointing and challenging.
I found the justice system to be a complete gong show. People didn't know what they were doing and were reluctant to do anything when they did know. First, the prosecutor's office wasn't going to take my letter of request for disclosure. It is the prosecutors responsibility to get the disclosure organized. When I did get the disclosure package three weeks ago , I noticed there wasn't much there. When we checked 75% of what I asked for was not there. All of what the prosecutor needed was there. Was the guy inept? Did his staff not check? Did he set this up against me?
On my first appearance the prosecutor said he would phone me. He never did call back. The Micro manager finally phoned him and his reply was not helpful. Finally, a good advisor phoned the prosecutor and explained that most of the disclosure was missing. Only then was he ticket withdrawn. The prosecutor fully intended to haul me into court. Only when an ex police officer called the prosecutor as the ticket withdrawn. I don't like seeing things done by people who have clout. The issue should stand on its own merit.
If you're going to challenge a ticket, much research has to be done. It's a lot of work and very challenging.
One thing that happened is that the city quickly got digital equipment which should cut the time in half and tickets will be delivered much sooner.
I learned a few things and I think I might be on a crusade. We seem to shut our eyes and think that photo radar is infallible. It's not half as accurate as they claim. The position of the radar vehicle, distance into the speed zone, slopes, surroundings, equipment and operators all have a bearing on accuracy.
Then I started looking at signage. I've requested the city's policy on signs. So far I haven't got the policy. That makes me more suspicious and I'm going to find out how they place signs. I've seen places where there's a clutter of signs...seven in a 50 meter space. Who can read that many signs when you're driving?
So I won what I wanted ,but I think I may have found some more work for myself.
There is always a need for vigilant citizens in municipal affairs, just as there is at higher levels of government, Red. I commend you for all your efforts and wish you well! And I'm glad the ticket issue was resolved in your favour.
ReplyDeleteToo often we let organizations away with sloppy stuff.
Delete"You can't fight city hall", is a quote many take to heart. It sounds like the system is not set up to be challenged. Good for you for persisting.
ReplyDeleteFighting he system can be done but it is difficult. Development proposals are the worst.
DeleteHi Red, I've enjoyed catching up with your doings. Sounds like you won the battle but are still in the midst of the war. It will be a worth crusade, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteYou learn quite a few things when you take up a crusade.
DeleteCongratulations....go crusade!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteFinally some good news on the ticket front. But it sure does sound like a bunch of people who don't know what they're doing! Glad to know they listened to reason, finally. :-)
ReplyDeleteI certainly felt as if they didn't have a grasp on the system.
DeleteThanks for letting us know how this turned out. I did not think they had a good case and I’m glad to hear the ticket was withdrawn. As I mentioned in an earlier comment, Seattle has installed a bunch of these cameras, just recently, in school zones. I am probably one of the slowest drivers on the road anyway, but just a few days ago I was going through a school zone when a car passed me and I saw the big flash from the camera. I looked at the speedometer and it was right on 20, the speed limit. The car that passed me must have been going at least 25. Keeping my fingers crossed that the camera was smart enough to know which car was going faster. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe cameras are worrisome as you don't know where they are or what they're really doing.
DeleteGood work, dude!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteIn high school my best friends dad was the traffic judge, he said he knew better than believe our friends.LOL
ReplyDeleteSometimes we're just plain guilty!
DeleteGood for you for fighting the system! There's nothing worse than bureaucracy and inefficiency when you've been accused of wrongdoing. Imagine how frustrating it must be for people who are wrongly suspected in really serious crimes!
ReplyDeleteThere are some complicated hoops to jump through. Most of the little bad guys in court aren't that swift so they may not always get justice.
DeleteCongratulations on beating the system.
ReplyDeleteI hope that the system improves .
DeleteGood news, but quite a hassle!
ReplyDeleteIt was much more of a challenge than I thought.
DeleteIt's tough fighting the system but sometimes it's necessary. How else would things ever change or get better?
ReplyDeleteWhile I did not read the speeding ticket post, I think you are a good citizen and cheer you on in your efforts. The system sounds overburdened, but perhaps it is not and some folks need to be shaken and awakened to do the job that the taxpayer pays for! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGood for you to have beaten the system. Sorry for your aggravation through it. I applaud you .
ReplyDeleteWell done Red! As you suggested, successfully fighting back against wrongful speeding tickets should not involve calling on the support of people with clout. The system should be righteous, clear and fair to everyone.
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me! Similar problems & I've given up fighting "City Hall".
ReplyDelete