Missing Info From Ticket?

[idrankwhat]

I recieved a speeding ticket in Minneapolis. The officer never stated specifically how fast I was going - he said 80 or 85. He issued me a ticket and no where on the ticket does it say how fast I was going, how much over the limit I was or what zone I was in while speeding - no mention of a specfic speed what-so-ever. All it says is that there was a speeding offense. Will I be able to get this thrown out since there does not appear to be any record of how fast I was going?

 

[lwpat]

Possibly. There are several avenues of defense and I am not an attorney. Check the statute on the ticket to see the specific charge. It may be just a general driving too fast for conditions/no point ticket. The clerk of court can tell you. Many cities use a local ordinance as a revenue generator and these tickets are almost impossible to beat.

If the ticket is dismissed the city gets no money and guess who pays the judge. Since there are no points attached then most people just pay rather than fight a losing battle.

The clerk of court can also tell you the procedure for contesting the ticket. In most cases the first court date is just an arraignment which you can skip by filing a not guilty plea by mail or even fax. In some jurisdictions you do have to post bond.

Then at the trial you can make a motion for dismissal based on incomplete information on the ticket and your inability to prepare a defense. Or you may get lucky and the officer won't show. Or you may get unlucky and they will tack on the maximum fine plus court costs. if you are serious about fighting the ticket find out when court is in session and spend a couple of hours watching how things operate.

If you decide to fight let us know how it turns out.