I can't believe I didn't see this topic earlier
I too am a local cop. I've been summonsed to approximately 13 "Justice Hearings" and have lost only one. I've seen many more cases than that, though. You'd be suprised at how many cases get tossed for no reason. By no reason, I mean the officer gave his story the offender gave theirs and no questions were asked. Not Responsible!! It's funny at times! Even at the loss of the one ticket, I still win, per se. I got 3 hours OT outta 'da deal!!
The best possible advice I give anyone going to any hearing, magistrate or justice is be polite, concise and do not over question the officer. You gotta remember, and I heard this from a magistrate himself, the judge has other things, cases, golf to attend to that day. The last thing they want is a long, drawn out q & a period for a ticket. You'll see most officers, at least at our courthouse, not asking any questions. I've only asked one set of questions at my hearings and that had to do with a Junior Operator Violation. THe kids lawyer thought he was fighting a speeding ticket. I didn't even cite him for speeding. Guess he shoulda found a better lawyer!
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