Perils of 911 ownership -- need an attorney

[Jack Olsen]

I need a recommendation for a good traffic attorney in Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley. It's for an old ticket (sorry, no new story to tell), but I've got to resolve it -- and am ready to pay for some professional assistance.

Email me at jackolsen@mediaone.net

Thanks.

[Superman]

Wish I had a name for you. When you need a doctor or a lawyer, you don't need a bad, or even mediocre one. Good ones cost more, but are less expensive. Good luck, Jack.

[Tyson Schmidt]

Jack, it may be time to remove the "I H8 PIGS!!!!" bumper sticker.

[old_skul]

I think this year's bumper sticker says "Bad Cop! No Donut!"

[speeder]

Jack, wish I could help more, but maybe try the free referal service that bar association has, (I think so anyways). Must be a ball-buster of a ticket if you're willing to pay lawyer. Problem is that good, smart lawyers are not doing traffic ticket defense. Law of natural selection has them pursuing more lucrative career path. Good luck none the less.

[rstoll]

Give John Cochran a call. He'll get you off, and furthermore, you'll never get another ticket, no matter how you drive.

[davis911s]

(sorry, no new story to tell),

Come on Jack, how about the "old story" then

I am taking Canadian courses on Policing, I don't know the particulars of your case, or laws there. But my instructor for traffic enforcement (23 year Police veteran) told us one thing.

Plead innocent to everything and make them PROVE you guilty! He told us some of the things to ensure we do (as Police Officers) to ensure that the tickets holds up in court.

There is a GOOD chance that the officer who wrote your ticket forgot to do something or messed up in some way.

Probably not what a Cop (wanna be) should be saying but its true.

If you think I can help in anyway PM me or email me davis911s@hotmail.com as I said my traininhg is Canadian policing but some might apply.

Shawn

[pohsche]

Nobody, I mean Nobody NEEDS an attorney! The only thing you'll get is a bill for more than your ticket. I don't know your story, but I have always found it works to go to court by myself, but prepaired to the max with your case. I have gone to court and represented myself at least 4 times over the years, and am still undefeated. Just have everything that you need, including drawings, pictures, character references and a well prepaired argument and go for it. The other thing is, is that the cop has to take time off to come defend his actions. If he doesn't show. you automatically win. That has happened twice to me.

Al

[rob911]

Ditto pohsche.

Here in UK we have lots of speeding revenue generators. These are usually fixed radar cameras known as GATSO's.

The government suppl all the rules and regs online to help you defend yourself! There are various sites devoted to your cause.

These might not appear relevant but certain principles apply to all.

Check the rules/laws, for example in basic UK law, you must be informed with 14 days of the incident. If not you are (usually) off scot free.

Good luck and prepare well, the officer may even fail to show up

[rob911]

Just found this link http://www.ibiblio.org/rdu/ca-speed.html

( and more besides http://www.ibiblio.org/rdu/p-sl.html )

excerpt below



Okay, if it really is a speedtrap and you are in California you are set. Some kind man {thank you} sent me the following:
The following information comes from my copy of the January 1993 California Vehicle Code (CVC), which I purchased at my local DMV for $3.00.

These sections of the CVC relate directly to the use of "speedtraps" within California:

40801 Speed Trap Prohibition
40802 Definition of a Speed Trap
40803 Speed Trap Evidence
40804 Testimony Based on Speed Trap
40805 Admission of Speed Trap Evidence
40808 Speed Trap Evidense


Here are the most important paragraphs:

40801:
No peace officer or other person shall use a speed trap in arresting, or participating or assisting in the arrest of, any person for any alleged violation of this code nor shall any speed trap be used in securing evidence as to the speed of any vehicle for the purpose of an arrest or prosecution under this code.

40802 A "speed trap" is either of the following:
(a) A particular section of a highway measured as to distance and with boundaries marked, designated, or otherwise determined in order that the speed of a vehicle may be calculated by securing the time it takes the vehicle to travel the known distance.

[Rick Lee]

While I agree you probably don't need a lawyer and should do ok on your own, don't ever assume the cop will not show. The cop does not have to come in on his or her own time -- they are regularly scheduled to appear in court a few times per month. It's part of their job and you should be prepared to confront them. The best thing to do is to talk to the cop and the prosecutor at court before your case is called or even before that date. Sometimes they will either reduce the charges or even tell you the best course of action. I've beaten several moving violation raps. Of course, if you didn't behave yourself during the traffic stop, then you're in trouble. But you should always be super professional and courteous with cops and judges. I once got off by by saying nothing more than, "Your honor, I respectfully disagree with everything the officer just told you." If you were nice to the cop when you got the ticket, you should, at the very least, get a reduction in fine or charges. Never let a moving violation go unchallenged! Make the state prove their case. Ignore your rights and they will go away.

[davis911s]

I agree Richard, Don't assume the cop won't show. Here in Canada it is overtime if they have to go in on thier day off.

But courtesy is ALWAYS the best defence.

Shawn

[RarlyL8]

I don't know how things are in California, but in downstate Illinois if the cop doesn't show you wait.

They purposely make you wait in court for the entire day.
If the cop does not show, you are rescheduled, and you just very well miss another entire day of work at their leisure.
This has happened to me twice.

Only in traffic court are you guilty until proven innocent.

Nice system we taxpayers have, isn't it.

[nostatic]

For DIY ticket fighting, this site is great:

http://www.ticketassassin.com/

But if it is for an old ticket and there are warrants....well maybe an attorney is in order.

[pwd72s]

Jack, good luck! And for the future? V1. IMHO it's the best self defense weapon since the single action Colt. Don't let 'em tell you Cali cops don't run radar. To Cambria and back, my V1 warned me of Ka band, usually long before I could see the moving CHP car.

[tmctguer]

i can hear johnny cochran's defense of jack............"if a 3rd oil cooler won't fit, you must acquit."

[tmctguer]

or how about.............."he HAD to get oil temps lower, so he COULDN'T drive any slower".