Negligent Driving 2nd Degree
I left town for a business day trip in Washington state. When I returned that evening, my wife informed me a police officer had stopped to talk to me because I was observed by an off-duty police officer who lives in my neighborhood traveling at a high rate of speed past his house. The officer told her he was there to warn me, left a business card and told her I could call if I wanted to talk to him.
Twenty-five days later I received a ticket for negligent driving-2nd degree in the mail. I never spoke to the ticketing officer or any police officer about this.
Any advice on how to fight this ticket would be appreciated. Thanks.
Re: Negligent Driving 2nd Degree
Two questions:
1) Who sent you the ticket? The return address on the envelope?
2) Who signed the ticket? Was it the officer who saw you?
This is a $500 infraction! So, my advice is to check the "contested hearing" box, make a copy of the ticket (both sides) and mail it to the court shown on the ticket -- be sure you do this within the 15 day time limit. After you receive your hearing notice, come back and let us know.
Barry
Re: Negligent Driving 2nd Degree
Unfortunately I did not save the envelop it came in. The Notice of Infraction that came with the ticket has a return address of Benton County Court. The ticket is checked "sent to court for mailing".
The ticket is signed by 2 officers. I believe one is the officer who lives in my neighborhood (the signature is hard to make out).
Can I obtain a copy of their report?
Re: Negligent Driving 2nd Degree
Yes, you can obtain a copy of the officers' sworn statements through the discovery process. Wait until you get your hearing notice. It may contain instructions about how to do that. If not, PM me you email address and I'll send you a generic discovery request form.
Barry