The most common reason for police to pull over a driver is for exceeding the speed limit. While this occurs daily, some motorists are unfortunate enough to be stopped and ticketed by law enforcement.
Many people assume they have no choice but to pay the ticket and move on, but that is not the only option. You are entitled to a defense, just like any other charge, and you have the right to hire a traffic attorney to act as your legal advocate. Reach out to a St. Charles speeding ticket lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case and explore legal options.
Speeding Penalties
The penalties following a conviction for speeding depend on how many miles above the speed limit the driver was traveling. While this offense results in points on a person’s license and monetary fines, both penalties increase based on the driver’s speed.
At the low end, exceeding the speed limit by one to nine miles per hour results in an $80 fine and one point on the license. Conversely, speeding by 40 miles per hour or more can lead to five points and a fine of up to $530.
A skilled speeding ticket lawyer in St. Charles could explain the consequences of a speeding charge and work to mitigate these penalties.
How Police Prove Speeding
There are various ways an officer might attempt to prove that a driver violated the speed limit in court. Ultimately, each approach relies on the officer’s testimony. A St. Charles attorney may successfully challenge this evidence in a speeding ticket trial by highlighting inconsistencies in the officer’s testimony.
Radar Results
Most speeding tickets are issued after a police officer uses a radar gun to determine how fast a car is traveling. Fortunately, several potential defenses may apply in these cases, including user error. For instance, officers may sometimes target the wrong vehicle, especially in traffic.
In this case, the most robust defense may be questioning the officer’s certifications. The officer must prove that their radar gun was calibrated correctly and that they have received the appropriate training to operate it. If the officer is unable to establish both requirements, the case may be dismissed.
Pacing
Traditionally, police determine whether someone is speeding by maintaining pace with their vehicle at a distance. By traveling at the same speed while keeping a consistent distance, the officer can estimate how fast the car is traveling.
However, it is essential to note that this method is an inexact science that may lead to several potential problems. An officer must maintain pace with another driver long enough to be certain they are traveling at the same speed. Attempting to determine the other vehicle’s speed too early is primarily based on assumptions that may not be accurate.
This method is also less effective on uneven roadways. Pacing another car on hills or around curves can make it especially difficult for an officer to accurately determine how fast a vehicle is traveling.
An experienced lawyer could effectively challenge the validity of the pacing method, radar results, and other techniques used to determine speeding, potentially leading to a dismissal of the charges.
Contact a St. Charles Speeding Ticket Attorney Today
Instead of accepting guilt when you receive a ticket for speeding, consider all your options because you may have a viable defense without realizing it. With the assistance of a St. Charles speeding ticket lawyer, you could dispute the charge and protect your driving record. Our attorneys, licensed and barred in Maryland and DC, are here to advocate on your behalf. For more information, schedule a consultation today.
