Speeding Ticket in Washington

**romettekitty** · 09-14-2008, 11:29 AM

My question involves a speeding ticket from the State of: Washington. Received speeding ticket 50mph in a 40. Radar gun detected. How do I find out what type of gun was used? and if it had been properly maintained? Can I find out what the wa state laws requirement of use of gun is? Heard something about a tune fork test needing to be preformed before each use and immediatly after each issuance of ticket. Any thoughts? Directions to send me?

**Mr. Knowitall** · 09-20-2008, 07:51 AM

Did you file a discovery demand? I believe there are at least a dozen threads around here discussing discovery for traffic tickets in Washington State.

**whatcomesaroundgoesaround** · 09-29-2008, 10:56 AM

AWWWWW did someone get a speeding ticket ......... Radar guns have to be calibrated THATS IT THATS ALL ............ Hope its not an outrageous ticket.... But then again there goes your insurance rate also.... WOW what a bummer for you........

**romettekitty** · 11-02-2008, 12:23 PM

I did file a demand for discovery. Sent to the pro attorney and court house. Pro sent me back a copy of my ticket and a VERY short description from the officer of what happened. Most of the information from the officer was in the form of -Please check the box...They referenced some RCW's stateing that they were not required to provide the rest of the information I had requested. I did find out the type of gun used was a Decatur, however I have yet to find a manual on this gun.

**blewis** · 11-03-2008, 06:10 AM

If you also know the model and serial number, you can request a copy of the manual through an FOIA request. I sent mine to the City Clerk's office -- got a response in about a week. They can charge you for copying. Maintenance Certificates are usually on file at the court (see IRLJ 6.6 (d) and you should be able to get a copy from the Clerk of the Court.

In most jurisdictions, officers perform the calibration tests at the beginning and end of each shift -- but I've seen case law that states "before and after" the issuance of a citation. You could also interpret that as "immediately" before and after OR a week before and a week after. So, it's mostly in the eyes of the beholder.

Barry