Monroe Wa Photo-Speed Ticket and Subpoena Process
My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: Washington.
I'm currently contesting Monroe, Washington's common "30-in-20, school-zone, photo-enforced" ticket (seems that's all they issue there), awaiting case date and number, obtained blank paperwork titled "Request for Subpoena of Monroe Police Officer" listed on citation.
Interestingly enough, the latter official-looking court document says below: "This is not a subpoena. Delivery of this request for subpoena and appearance of the above listed Monroe Police Officer must be delivered to the Monroe Traffic Violations Bureau at 818 W. Main Street, Monroe, Washington 98272". Here's the deal: now I'm in doubt of the validity of this 'Request for Subpoena' because it says I can deliver it personally upon the Monroe Police Department relevant to the officer being requested, which I am extremely skeptical about. Over one year ago I was cited for excessive speed by a Washington State Patrol officer, so I went to the courthouse and requested subpoena paperwork: the subpoena not only stated it must be delivered by an entity other than myself over 18 years of age with no connection to the case, it also says that a Return of Service affidavit must be filed. Monroe's Request for Subpoena has no such document. I think Monroe's trying to pull a fast one here; any insight? I don't trust this subpoena request paperwork I was handed, it seems to not be in accordance to the process of subpoenas or summonses in Washington state.
Incidentally, this case is to be heard at Monroe's City Hall by a Snohomish County Superior Court judge.
Re: Monroe Wa Photo-Speed Ticket and Subpoena Process
I would guess that's it's entirely valid. In Kent Municipal Court, for example, the court will schedule you for a "pre-hearing conference". At this "conference" you must fill out paper work entitled "Order on Pre-hearing Conference". If you wish to subpoena the officer to assure their appearance at the actual hearing, you simply check a box.
My question is what Superior Court Judge would lower themselves to hear a traffic infraction in a "Violations Bureau" -- that's doesn't even rank as high as a Court of Limited Jurisdiction?
Barry
Re: Monroe Wa Photo-Speed Ticket and Subpoena Process
I agree, but that's what I was told by the receptionist at the Monroe Police Department when I submitted my contested hearing request. This is, after all, Snohomish County, WA, I think I can still locate the ruins of the gallows they used in the '50s for traffic court, LOL (just kidding!).
Re: Monroe Wa Photo-Speed Ticket and Subpoena Process
The gallows was for murderers -- traffic infractions only rated a beheading -- usually right there on the side of the road. :)
Barry