Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

What chance do I have in traffic court
I was issued a traffic citation for "unsafe passing". I was passing a car at night, and the officer was in an oncoming car. Now, I know that I was very careful in initiating this passing maneuver and obeyed the law. Without going into detail due to this forum, I think that if the officer felt it was unsafe it was situational (because he was in the oncoming lane, the misadjusted headlights on my new car were dazzling him, that kind of thing). The point being that I was driving carefully, was trying to be safe, and don't think it was unsafe or that I deserve a ticket for this. I'd like to go to court plead 'not guilty' and explain this all to the judge, but I'm very intimidated because I feel I'm questioning the judgement of a police officer. Since it's basically my word against his, and he's the "expert", what chance do I have that my explanation will be listened to? Does my word have any legal weight? Are there certain augments or points that I could raise that would be more important? Is anything I say even relevant against the officers judgement? Do I have a chance, or should I just buckle under, pay up, and go to traffic school?

Asked on 1/27/99, 10:01 pm

Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

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Re: What chance do I have in traffic court

Nolo Press in Berkley, California publishes an excellent book on fighting your traffic ticket. Either buy the book or go to a library and read it.

This book should give you the information you are looking for.

Lyle Johnson

Lyle W. Johnson Attorney at Law

152 N. Third Street, Suite 510

Answered on 1/30/99, 4:53 pm

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