Legal Question in Traffic Law in Illinois

Traffic Violation

A Police Officer gave me a ticket for allegedly not stopping at a stop sign. I had appeared at the Court and stated before the Judge that I made a full stop. My driving record was checked and no violations were found. The only testimony against me was the statement of the Police Officer which I denied. However the judge ignored my testimony and listened only to the Officer's testimony. The Judge made a decision that I had to pay $135 which included a $55 ticket fine, $25 supervision fee, $25 Court Service fees, etc... I don't believe that the decision was right because it was my word against the officer's word. Is that a lawful decision? If the Judge does not consider my testimony does that make me a second class citizen. I believe that it violates my Civil Rights. I would like to know if the decision of the Judge in cosidering only one side was right and lawful?


Asked on 10/26/08, 7:28 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
George Zuganelis Zuganelis & Zuganelis, Attorneys at Law, P.C.

Re: Traffic Violation

The judge heard both sides and chose to believe the police officer. He believed the police officer was more credible. It was a lawful decision. Your civil rights were not violated. What right do you have that a judge MUST believe you over a police officer when it's only the 2 of you who testified? The judge had to choose who was more credible and you lost. Pay the fine and move on with your life. I'm sure you have more important things to obsess over.

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Answered on 10/27/08, 12:53 pm
Jeremy Richey Jeremy Richey, Attorney at Law

Re: Traffic Violation

Yes, it was a lawful decision by the judge. Your sentence is fair too. You should just let it go and move on.

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Answered on 10/26/08, 9:25 pm


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