
Quoting
fmicle
My question involves traffic court in the State of: California
So I got a speeding ticket a few months back. Allegedly I was doing 62 in a 40 mph zone. I was cited for violating 22350 (Basic Safe Speed Law). This was on a perfect summer day, on an 8 lane road with a center divider, my car in the first lane, one other car in the fourth lane and no other cars in the front or behind for at least 500 feet. This was also in an industrial area with no pedestrians around and the closest buildings are like 300 feet from the road (parking garages, high-rise office buildings, that sort of stuff with green belt between the buildings and the road). No one in sight. I honestly think I did not violate the letter and the spirit of 22350, so I submitted my TBWD, but I was found guilty. I just sent in my request for a Trial de Novo as well as a request for discovery to the DA's office.
From what I've read so far I don't think the DA will actually satisfy my request and I doubt the judge would let me off the hook so easily, besides this is my very first time, I don't even know how I'm supposed to talk to the judge, other than saying "your Honor". Like, when can I try my chances with a request for dismissal? Do I raise my hand, before the cop starts talking? Should I write a letter to the court right after I receive the "it's not our responsibility" letter from the DA, and try to take care of this before the actual court date?
Suppose the DA sends everything and the survey justifies the speed limit, do I even stand a chance of making a good defense and convincing the judge my speed was safe? My strategy is to ask the cop some questions and basically have him admit that there wasn't anything unsafe about my speed under the circumstances. Yeah, I know, dream on... one can hope :-)
Should I just forget about it, save some time and some nerves and suck it up?