
Quoting
cdwjava
If you intend to seek the video and other documents via discovery, be CERTAIN that they are properly formatted and presented. Sending out a "cover letter" or a mailed request does not make it a request for discovery. If you do not receive the specific documents or video you requested through a properly formatted and delivered request for discovery, you can ask the court to compel discovery. If video does exist, and if it shows that you had your lights on the whole time, then it is likely the case will be dismissed before court.
And if you believe that you somehow have a claim against the police department for damages caused by the officer making the traffic stop, you will have a heck of a time trying to prove that. It might cost you upwards of $10,000 just to roll those dice, and the case would be quite difficult to prove. I doubt an attorney would even take it. But, if you have the money to throw away, maybe ...
Also, I do not believe that "That Guy" is an "ex-cop" with no life or otherwise. As a note, I am a CURRENT cop and I will often post at 2:15 AM or thereabouts. Not because I have "no life" but because that's the hours we cops keep - even off duty. And, as a note, That Guy is probably one of the two most knowledgeable guys on these forums when it comes to traffic issues. You may not appreciate his bluntness, but handholding does not do you or any other poster any favors as it tends to lead to false expectations.
You may be certain that the lights were on because you "always" do something, but I truly wonder if that's the case. If you kept your lights in the on position at all times, you would likely find a dead battery some morning. So, could it be the case that you regularly turn the headlights on rather than ALWAYS leave them on? If so, then it might just be possible that the officer did see you without headlights.
Oh, and it is generally not safe to drive with the dome light on. A "map light" is a little better, but having a brighter dome light in the interior of the vehicle tends to inhibit safe driving by restricting vision into the darkness surrounding the vehicle through the increased reflection from the inside.