My question involves a speeding ticket from the State of: Washington, city of Everett.

Had just completed a left turn from a two lane road onto a four lane road. Noticed sidewalks on both sides of the 4-lane crowded with pedestrials - commercial stores and apartment complexes along the road. A few hundred feet after making my left turn, while in the left-hand lane, I was motioned by an officer standing in center of the 4-lane street to pull to side of the street. Was informed that I was driving 32 in a school zone. I noticed his laser speed gun and saw the speed display "32 ". My response was incredulous - "What school zone?!?" Officer asked if I saw the flashing school signs - I responded, "What flashing signs?" Officer asked if my mailing address was current, and that I would receive notice of infraction via US Mail. He was using a clip board to record relevant details to later write up and issue the infraction notices.

So, today I received the notice, six days after the event. I read the green notice of infraction and the cover letter. Cover letter states that I have 18 days from letter date (6/10) to respond. Backside of green ticket tells me I have 15 days from issue date (6/8) to respond.

>> Which is the correct date to comply to?

Naturally, I'm given three choices but as I read thru these forums, it appears best to contest and to request discovery.

I had never driven through that section of town before (ultra high crime area), so I was really unaware of the school zone. Curiously, I drove through the area later that night to obtain a better view of the "working" flashing school lights that I was to have complied with. There was one sign mounted on a sidewalk, on the right, somewhat behind a blooming tree. I was making a left turn onto that street from a left turn lane while waiting at the red light/4-way intersection. One block straight ahead of me further along the street off which I was turning was a flashing School Zone sign strung across the street between two utility poles. At midnight, those lights were still flashing. Is this relevant? The sidewalk lights that I was accused of not obeying were not flashing at midnight.

No indication on the infraction that lights were flashing and children were present.

I can scan and post the infraction notice here if that helps.

Suggestions and recommendations?