| the advent of the radar gun the police are able to | | | | record, if possible the maintenance record on the |
| determine a motorist's speed effectively and | | | | radar gun that was used the day you received your |
| efficiently. They just point and shoot and in that split | | | | speeding citation. There is also documentation on the |
| second they can tell how fast over the limit you | | | | training of officers in the use of radar guns. It is |
| were speeding. | | | | worthwhile to try and obtain this information in |
| Radar guns are a huge convenience for police. They | | | | regards to the officer who issued your ticket. |
| clock the speed precisely, and it gives them the | | | | Experience might play a part in your defense; that |
| ability to determine from a fair distance away who is | | | | being his or her experience with the equipment. |
| speeding and who is obeying that traffic law. | | | | Being prepared is paramount when taking this into |
| If you are stopped by a policeman or woman who | | | | court. People make mistakes and although trying to |
| has used their radar gun to record your speed, all | | | | argue that the officer was pointing the radar gun at |
| hope is not lost. There are steps that you can take | | | | the car next to you and not yours probably won't |
| once the ticket has been issued that may result in | | | | work, knowing the equipment and how it operates |
| you beating the speeding ticket. | | | | will be a huge benefit to you. |
| Radar guns are machines. Machines malfunction. This | | | | When you do appear in court, the officer who issued |
| is the key point when you decide to plead not guilty | | | | you the speeding citation will be present as well. If |
| and forego the fine to appear in court. Depending on | | | | your defense is with the machinery, he will be |
| the size of your fine and its impact on not only your | | | | expected to answer questions regarding his or her |
| driving record but insurance premiums, this might be a | | | | handling of the radar gun. Some of these questions |
| worthwhile defense to pursue. | | | | might include when the radar gun last went through |
| There are steps you need to take before your court | | | | maintenance, if there has been any error with the |
| date to validate your claim of "not guilty." Some | | | | gun in the past or since your ticket was issued. Also |
| jurisdictions will make available information related to | | | | the manner in which the police officer handles the |
| law enforcement. The information that you are | | | | gun and records the speed will be addressed. It puts |
| concerned about is the radar or laser equipment that | | | | much of the onus of proof on the officer and the |
| the police are using. If this is public information, you'll | | | | piece of equipment that recorded your speed. If the |
| need to get documentation regarding the make of | | | | judge feels that there is reasonable doubt you might |
| the radar gun, the city or county's maintenance | | | | win your case and save yourself the fine. |