My question involves traffic court in the State of: Missouri
In my speeding trial, I made a written request for discovery that included asking for any other copies of the citation/information and any other records that the prosecutor planned to use in court. In the hearing, the prosecutor looked at my copy of the citation and told the judge and myself that my copy was the exact same as his copy. The judge then denied that part of the request as moot.
Fast forward to trial... As I was questioning the officer about not following policy and writing the speed gun and tuning fork numbers on the citation, he said that he did. The prosecutor then told the judge (a different one from the discovery hearing) that the court's copy has that information on it. I immediately objected. The prosecutor told the judge I could have gotten that citation with all the information from the court file. The judge told him, "I'm not so sure about that." They seem to have major issues with their electronic court files. He told me, "I'm not sure an appeals court would agree with me, but I'm going to overrule your objection."
I also saw that the citation had been amended to add a cross street for which there was only one street name on my citation; it was another point I planed to use.
Does the prosecutor have to provide those documents, even if they are in the court file if requested by discovery? Furthermore, can he amend the citation just minutes before trail and not inform me. The courts official copy had been signed by him on the trial date. Doesn't that substantially interfere with my right to defend myself?
ALSO another point of trouble in the case was these two ordinances. This ticket was issued for a violation on a state highway. It appears these two conflict with each other when it comes to state highways. One says they must be in concurrence of the State Highway Commission and the other says they must follow the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
1201.025 Authority of State Highway and Transportation Commission. --All regulations contained in this Traffic Code regarding traffic control devices on State highways shall be with the concurrence of the State Highway and Transportation Commission. The State Highway and Transportation Commission is hereby authorized to post and install all regulatory signs on State highways.
1201.120 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. --All traffic control devices on highways, roadways, alleyways, and driveways within St. Louis County shall conform to the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices" published by the Federal Highway Administration bearing the identification number D6.1-1978, and its latest revisions. Copies of the manual are on file in the office of the St. Louis County Clerk and in the Department of Highways and Traffic.
Do you think an appeals court would remand this for a new trial?

