losing sight of a suspect?

clownprince · 10-11-2003

I was accused of and ticketed for improper start because the officer said I squeeled tires. However, the place he said I did it is right near my apartment complex. He wasn't behind me with the lights on until after I was already inside the complex. I drive the long way around to get to my apartment usually because the speed bumps are less vicious so I know he lost sight of me for over 30sec. Is there any way that he could be absolutely sure that it was me that squeeled? Is there any law that says that says that if he loses sight of me for a period of time it's entrapment or anything? I'm trying to fight since this cop is an a$$hole (another bad experience with him) and my record is bad enough. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. FCC certificates won't help me with this ticket since there was no radio involved.

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injencivic · 10-11-2003

theres no law for losing sight of a suspect. if he seen you do it, and didnt catch you until 30 seconds later that is still admissiable in court.
Its kinda like a robbery of a car or another item. The officer witnessed the incident but couldnt find you till 30 mins. later. you would still be charged with that crime. As long as he didnt charge you with fleeing then you should be fine. I would just tell the judge what happened and see what he or she can do for you.

Injen

03civicdx · 10-15-2003

i have to agree with injencivic, now did he give you the ticket while you were still in the car because if you were not in the car theres always the good old i wasnt driving excuse but yeah your pretty much stuck unless you get real lucky, how much was the ticker for

WD40 · 10-15-2003

There's no law regarding losing sight of a suspect, but you could probably use that to introduce reasonable doubt. "If you didn't keep your eye on the suspect from the time of the violation to the time of citation, how can you be sure you got the right person?" Obviously if you have a heavily modified car, that might not be a good question to ask. If you're mostly stock, you -might- be able to get enough reasonable doubt to get off. Good luck.

PBussman · 10-22-2003

If you squeeled your tires out of sight then he cant even prove it was you if he saw you do it, it harder to disprove. on top of that just because tires squeel dosn't mean a inproper start you could have rolled into a puddle of oil causeing you tires to squeel from the "natural" loss of traction **hint hint try this excuse if he saw you do it**