Speeding in School zones

[Hometown Girl]

This morning i was given a ticket in a non existing school zone. What i mean is i was pulled over on moss st. where the school isn't on moss st at all but the school zone is on moss. The cop said "you didn't see that big sign with flashing lights?" I couldn't imagine not seeing yellow flashing lights. I went back to the signs and they were not flashing. The sign says speed limit 35 mph WHEN FLASHING! i was going under the regular speed limit of 45 but over 35. How can he tell me to pay attention to the flashing sign if he isn't following the sign either cause its not flashing and if its not flashing the mph isn't 35!
Is this legal? If you got a ticket this morning in the school zone on moss the lights weren't flashing and i have photos with date and time to prove it!!

[Todd Travasos]

I really do feel for you. We have the same problem over here in Abbeville. Our police officers give tickets to innocent motorists all of the time. I don't know if they are just stupid, or improperly trained, or if they are trying to meet their quota, or want to intentionally aggravate us. I think it is a combination of all four.

Speeding in school zones cause hefty fines, and higher insurance rates. So, you don't want to pay if you don't have to.

I would do this. You have the right to fight this in court. With your proof, the judge should find you innocent. Then you won't have to pay anything. After found innocent, I would file a complaint against this officer. He will continue to harass innocent motorists until he is stopped. This will stop him.

Also, you can call the police chief and request an appointment with him. Show him your proof. He may be able to recommend to the prosecutor that all charges be dropped against you, and he can take disciplinary action against the officer.

Also, you can get an appointment with the prosecutor. Show him your proof. He can decide immediately, not to prosecute you. This is like being found innocent, and not having to go to court.

You can also get an attorney. He may know something I don't. Remember, attorneys aren't cheap, so I would try to avoid this at all costs.

Police officers lie in courtrooms all of the time.
What the officer did was illegal, but it will be extremely difficult to prove Malfeasance in office charges. About the best thing you can hope for is that you are found innocent.

When I started driving 30 years ago, police officers tried to help people. Now, they try to hurt us. It is a sad situation.

Don't do like most people do, just pay the ticket. All this does is perpetuate the crooked police officers.

I got a warning ticket in Texas last November because the temporary license plate was properly fastened in the back window. The officer said it needed to be put where the permanent license plate goes. How stupid? I called the head of Texas Department of Public Safety to complain. he wanted a copy of the ticket, so I faxed it to him. He has taken disciplinary action against the officer.

I wish you luck-- let me know how it goes, and if I can help you further.

P.S Go to Abbeville Forum. There are hundreds of posts that complain about the crooked cops.