contrary to AJRagno's comment, police officers are not salaried (you think i'd work overtime on salary being paid as lousy as cops are? come one), and even if it's a day off, he gets paid for his time. the same may also be true for the prosecutor (if used in the jurisdiction--in UT traffic violations are still criminal offenses--dumb, but true).

 

I've challenged a ticket twice before in MA in the past few years (only one when I had my Lightning), so I'm somewhat familiar with how the system works. The first time you challenge a ticket, you deal with a court magistrate (NOT a judge), and there only has to be a representative of the town/jurisdiction (state in this case) present. If you appeal THAT decision (usually they offer to at least reduce it), THEN you re-schedule a date to be heard in front of a real judge, at which point the actual citing officer has to be present.

Regardless, I'm going to fight this ticket, as I honestly don't believe I was doing *anything* wrong- and the more replies I read (I've posted this thread to about 5 forums on 3 websites), the more it seems like I have a legitimate "complaint" (or loophole might be more appropriate...that being the "precautionary" yellow speed signs, as opposed to the mandatory "enforceable" white speed LIMIT signs).

And again, AjRagno- I totally overlooked how I could use the fact that the word "RACE" is on my license plate in my favor!!!. Thanks.

And thanks again to all.

Later...

GK

 

mxracer : while you may be right about the word race on your plate. be very careful bringing it up to a judge or other officials. remember to these people anyone who races, whether it's on a track or not, and no matter what style of vehicle it is, has a natural tendency to be an aggresive driver. always wanting to win so they say.
anyways good luck with the tickets.

 

crash: that one sounds interesting but may not work, as they will just appoint another officer who is present to be a representative for the absent officer. otherwise they wouldn't reschedule.