Can A LEO Give You A Ticket Without Having A Lock?

**DevinR** · 11-19-2012, 12:21 AM

I was riding with my buddy and he was driving about 75 in 65 maybe a little higher. I should note there was no one else on the road. He got lit up with 34.7 and braked hard immediately, he was down to 65 in less the a second. The LEO turned the radar on really early for using IO, it was atleast a 3/8 mile and he was on the other side of the road in the grass with all his lights off. He didn't turn out to pull us over for a minute. When he pulled us over he got his info and went and wrote up the ticket, and when he came back he said he wrote the ticket for driving 80 in a 65. My friend told the LEO he was not driving that fast and asked to see the speed he locked him in on. The LEO replied I didn't get your speed locked and I don't need to. He didn't argue and just took the ticket but we both think he should take it to court. One of my friends was goin to college for Law Enforcement and on the ride alongs he went on they all told him you need a lock on the speed otherwise you have no proof.
The car he was driving was 2011 Dodge Charger RT. The speedometer is completely accurate. The detector is a 78se and keep in mind that only filters a signal for about 150ms. I believe the LEO didn't get a speed locked until he was under PSL and saw his headlights dip from slamming the brakes and got mad and wrote the ticket because he thinks he is the law and can do whatever he wants.
Any Opinions?

**NormSky** · 11-19-2012, 06:01 AM

Your probably correct and have all your facts. Opinions will vary but what has worked for me, low profile cars with stiff suspension and great brakes - along with quick actions from the driver all help in your advantage, was to go to court on the date and explain to the judge/bailiff as you did above. All they want is the money and they'll knock off the points.

**dr_King** · 11-19-2012, 08:33 AM

Here is an opinion. In Amerika, we make up the rules as we go along. In today's kangaroo court you are guilty untill proven innocent. Understand ?

**DevinR** · 11-19-2012, 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by dr_King

Here is an opinion. In Amerika, we make up the rules as we go along. In today's kangaroo court you are guilty untill proven innocent. Understand ?

Ain't this the sad truth haha!

**DevinR** · 11-20-2012, 08:47 AM

If anyone else has an idea of how court will go for him it would be appreciated!
Thanks

**North Alabama** · 11-23-2012, 08:53 PM

Moving radar, you have a chance because of doubt and other traffic (luck and how agressive the Leo is) to play in, but a sitting Leo by yourself, your toast in most cases....... A month ago, I got hit by a sitting Leo with a DSR2 and even though I braked (V1 with the Ka Guard off), not super great because I was not paying attention, I did get a written warning at the 65 min mark. Now, I was going faster and he was at a slight angle because I was on top of him (unmarked Dodge)........A sitting Leo will get you every time and he does not have to lock (hold) in the display, he just has to remember in this case the target display speed. Nobody is fast enough in this case for he watched the high speed for over a second. Fight all tickets....

**infinitysquared** · 11-25-2012, 09:34 PM

I know in Ohio, police aren't required to use radar at all. Their initial speed estimate from eyeballing your vehicle is held up in court.

**jdong** · 11-27-2012, 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by North Alabama

Moving radar, you have a chance because of doubt and other traffic (luck and how agressive the Leo is) to play in, but a sitting Leo by yourself, your toast in most cases....... A month ago, I got hit by a sitting Leo with a DSR2 and even though I braked (V1 with the Ka Guard off), not super great because I was not paying attention, I did get a written warning at the 65 min mark. Now, I was going faster and he was at a slight angle because I was on top of him (unmarked Dodge)........A sitting Leo will get you every time and he does not have to lock (hold) in the display, he just has to remember in this case the target display speed. Nobody is fast enough in this case for he watched the high speed for over a second. Fight all tickets....

I don't remember if it was Roy's site that had it, but there's a big nice list of "speeding ticket myths/facts", and one of the myths was "The cop couldn't show my speed on his radar gun, so I'm off the hook"

A cop is not obligated to show you his radar reading, or "lock" them on the display. The speed reading from a modern radar gun is almost instantaneous, and they're always valid regardless of whether or not they are locked (held) on the screen.

The #1 Radar Speeding Ticket Dismissal Service in California

**North Alabama** · 11-27-2012, 09:19 PM

X2. The Ops driver's Leo rounded off the speed which most will do because the ones display can be difficult to read when the speed drops fast and the Leo does not get a good look. It is possible to beat this I/O but the odds are so few that I would not bet on this one (moving ones are better but one has to do everthing right). The Leo could have not noticed the reading until a few seconds afterwards not expecting the braking. Some units can screw up more than others (mostly when moving), or the Leo just messed up. But this hit was a give-me for an experienced sitting Leo with no other traffic around. But never say never for luck can fall one's way when showing up for court or going to driving school to reduce the ticket. Put doubt in the judge's mind and go for a reduction. Never say that one was speeding at any time, period!...