As you are driving along I-64 in Norfolk, minding your own business, you see a police cruiser in your rearview mirror. As the police car gets closer, the sirens come on and the officer pulls you over and issues you a speeding citation.
If you are like most people, you are upset, frustrated, and angry. The expenses related to a speeding ticket are significant—fines, points on your license, and insurance rate increases. However, you can fight a speeding ticket and win.
One of the common ways to fight a speeding citation is to fight against the tools the police officer used to determine your speed. Most likely, the officer used one of the following methods to clock your speed:
- Radar gun – This gun, which takes advantage of the Doppler Effect, may be handheld or mounted on the vehicle. It measures speed by sending out a radio pulse and then waiting for the signal to return. It then measures the change in frequency of the signal to determine speed.
- LiDAR speed gun – LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging, a method of speed detection that measures the time for a pulse of laser light to reach a moving object and reflect back. LiDAR speed guns have become popular with police because they can be used to target a specific vehicle in traffic.
- Pace clocking – Pace clocking is a method used by police to monitor the speed of another vehicle while his cruiser is in motion. The officer remains a set distance from the vehicle he is clocking and checks the speed using his own speedometer. While commonly used, it can be inaccurate if not properly executed.
While these methods are widely used, they are not infallible. Equipment must be properly calibrated and operated, and officers must follow established procedures when issuing a speeding citation. An experienced traffic defense attorney can review the evidence, identify potential weaknesses in the case, and determine whether the citation can be challenged.
At Tavss Fletcher, our attorneys have extensive experience defending drivers against speeding tickets and other traffic violations throughout Virginia. We carefully examine how your speed was measured, review the officer’s observations and any supporting evidence, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your case. Whether your goal is to have the charge reduced, avoid unnecessary points on your driving record, or fight the citation in court, we are committed to protecting your rights and helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
If you have recently been pulled over for speeding, contact us before you decide to take further action. Simply fill out the contact form on this page to schedule a consultation and learn how Tavss Fletcher can help you fight your speeding ticket.
Related Links: