Now I'm gonna sound spiteful and/or petty, but I'm gonna say it anyway.
In addition to disputing the ticket, I'd also recommend you to file a complaint on the officer. In the complaint letter, clearly indicate what you were doing, the year, brand, model, and trim of your vehicle, and specifically describe how your car already has bluetooth so it is unnecessary for you to pull out your phone.
When you are innocent, you totally want to exercise your rights and use the mechanisms available to point out the officer's wrong doing. The only thing you'll lose is a bit of time. An individual complaint won't amount to much of anything, but collectively, this is how we keep the police force in check from abusing the authority they've been bestowed with.
Good luck!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gh0st
Hey I know this might not be the right thread but yesterday I was removing my wallet from my butt pocket while at a left turn light and a cop standing at a nearby gas station walked over and knocked on my window and told me to pull over.
He issued a ticket for electronic device. He said "I saw you from afar reaching for something and even though you weren't on your phone, holding a handheld device is considered use of electronic device"
I told him, I understand you have a job to do, I have never had any violations of this type in the past and that is not what I was doing. He issued the ticket anyways and I was on my way. I knew further talking wouldn't resolve the situation but I feel kind of ripped off.
He said "you can try to ask the judge to reduce the amount though".
I was in the furthest left lane turn lane and he must have been at least 25-30 ft away (where the gas station was).
Anyways my lady bought me a new wallet a few days ago for our anniversary and I didn't want to crush it but I understand it looked suspicious from afar I was looking down and moving awkwardly and I put the wallet in my cupholder.
I can see how that would look like I may have been holding a phone but I wasn't. My car has bluetooth and voice/text to speech ect. Ironically I am always nagging my partner about using the phone when she drives cause her car doesn't have gps.
I will dispute the ticket, but it's worth 4 points and I think I need to pay a DPP penalty upon renewal of my insurance. What if my ticket is still in the dispute process will I have to pay this penalty upon renewal? Would like to know your guys advice on how to handle this.
I haven't gotten an infraction in years and years so it's the first for me. No points on my record either.
Sorry if incorrect thread.
|