Quote:
Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX
Cops will not show up in court for a speeding ticket. At least not around here. The court gives you a new trial date and notify the cop (witness), who doesn't get paid for his time there and never shows up. Not cheap, but you can call their bluff. Usually end up with a small fine in return for a plea. No jury will convict you for speeding unless there was an accident with injury/damage.
|
Officers around here are paid OT if they have to come in off-duty, but the court scheduling system does a pretty good job of matching court appearances to an officer's on-duty time. Additionally, if the officer fails to show for a scheduled court appearance he is subject to disciplinary action, just as if he failed to show up for his regular duty assignment.
Quote:
Lawyers will get a minimum 500 bucks to show their face in court too.
|
Well I guess lawyers have a hard time making a living in Meriden then. It would make no sense to pay a lawyer $500 to represent against a $200 traffic ticket, unless it was to prevent a ticket from going on someone's driving history for a Commercial D/L or someone that was almost out of driving points.
Quote:
notify the cop (witness), who doesn't get paid for his time there
|
Are you really sure officers don't get paid for court?? I'm tempted to call Meriden PD and ask them what they heck is going on up there.
That's really bad if that's the case. Sooo, if one of the officer gets tied up on a two week court hearing he just skips a pay check??
Quote:
No jury will convict you for speeding unless there was an accident with injury/damage
|
Okay, if you say that's the way it is in Meriden, CT. I'll have to take your word for it. I feel confident that most cities don't have a complete and total break down of the judicial system and you can be easily found guilty of Speeding in a court of law, if you are in fact guilty. Jurors around here take their job serious, are sworn to do a job and tend to follow through with their sworn duty and render Guilty verdicts when appropriate. I certainly wouldn't recommend following your advice in N. Texas.
20/20 or Dateline should do a show on the Meriden, CT. Courts and Prosecutors Office and have them explain why no Guilty verdicts are being rendered. I would expect that quiet of bit of enforcement is being conducted out on IH-91, IH-691 and Hwy. 15/66..
I knew things were different up there in the NE, but I had no idea it was a completely different world up there...
DAVID - There are bad eggs in all walks of life. I don't think anyone is disputing that..