My ridiculous Suwanee, Ga courtroom experience

[VitaminD]

So I was pulled over by the wonderful and talented Suwanee police dept a few month ago while bringing my second born home from the hospital. Apparently the previous owner of my Toyota Sienna(which I had owned for a grand total of three weeks) tinted the front windows too dark.
So I decided to retint the windows within the Georgia statute and appear for court because surely rational thinking would prevail in the Suwanee courtroom.
After waiting for two hours to see the Solicitor I was told "The City of Suwanee does not plead window tint tickets because they are a money maker."
I was actually told this by the Solicitor of the court!
I had just witnessed a half dozen DUI cases get plead to reckless driving, one of them was driving the wrong direction down the road!
I get to be stuck in the a$$ for someone else tinting the windows on my used van? all in the name of money, and padding the statistics on DUI in Suwanee Ga.
The judge did graciously lower my fine from $125 to $75 making it not worth my time or effort to request a trial jury (I considered it just to cost the city money to put on such a fiasco).

What a bunch of leaches.

[metalman]

Leaching $ from citizens via nonsense traffic fines in small town GA is a huge biz....its a southern tradition actually. I knew of one small town in another southern state that circumvented state maximums on 10-15 over 'speeding' fines by passing a local ordinance they used in such cases. Such a ticket was in the range of $500+

Where I come from I think if the sheriff tried that crap some thick necked guy named "Vinny" would give him a phone call and mention a fire at his house (god forbid) or something bad happening to his kids (god forbid) and that would be the end of that sheit. :lol:

[Bernie]

Where I come from I think if the sheriff tried that crap some thick necked guy named "Vinny" would give him a phone call and mention a fire at his house (god forbid) or something bad happening to his kids (god forbid) and that would be the end of that sheit. :lol:

In the south, those types of characters usually are the local sheriff. :lol:

[ben91]

Suwanee is the new Duluth.

[Dr.Drew]

Say what you will about organized crime, it keeps the local police in check.

It is interesting that they fessed up to it so bluntly.

[VitaminD]

Leaching $ from citizens via nonsense traffic fines in small town GA is a huge biz....its a southern tradition actually. I knew of one small town in another southern state that circumvented state maximums on 10-15 over 'speeding' fines by passing a local ordinance they used in such cases. Such a ticket was in the range of $500+

I am gleefully reminded of how corrupt small town cops are in Georgia when I drive by them doing radar at 10 mph over the limit and they cant do anything. Thanks Ludowici, Ga! Your Dukes of hazzard like speed traps gave your average Georgian like me the license to speed!

P.S. This law does not apply to the state patrol or being "paced" from behind by the local pigs. This is my understanding of the law, please correct me if I'm wrong.

Also please attempt anything described above at your own risk. :D I am not a judge, lawyer, or cop.

[VitaminD]

It is interesting that they fessed up to it so bluntly.


I was pretty amazed at this part myself, After speaking with the judge and pleading guilty, the Bailiff and the judge overly thanked me several times. It was as if I walked in the door and made a donation to the city, willingly, and out of the goodness of my heart.

[ben91]

Yes, and that's exactly how they see it too. The Suwanee cop that got me, well his name is Officer Hassle.
You can't make that up.

BTW, mine was speeding, I think it was 61 in a 45. You know, "normal". Made a deal, plead guilty to a lower offense. $100 out the door, and won't be reported.

[wildfire0310]

Where I come from I think if the sheriff tried that crap some thick necked guy named "Vinny" would give him a phone call and mention a fire at his house (god forbid) or something bad happening to his kids (god forbid) and that would be the end of that sheit. :lol:


One of the few things I miss from the north. The local cops were "nice", now the state cops on the other hand. They would rape you with a billy club, if you gave them even once ounce of back talk.

I remember crossing the border from PA to NY once, and seeing two Camaro, two full size SUV(one lifted), and up the road a vette, all belonging to the state cops. They were ready to f**k up anyone that came speeding into the state.

[Spark!Plug]

speaking of tickets... i live at basically, as far as i know, at the END of 27. it may be 29. the same one that goes to carrollton. i was caught at 70 in a 55. i explained to the cop that at the time my speedo bounced at speeds over 45 and i thought the upswing of the needle was my speed, the down swing said 65 so i confessed to speeding in the end. well he takes my info sits in his car for a min or 2, walks up and asks me to get out for a chat. i was happy about this because ive seen those videos of traffic stops and the cop himself get sideswiped. but anyway he told me he was ganna cut me a break because i was honest with him and fessed up to 65. so instead of 70 or 70 something in a 55, he wrote me a ticket for 65, 10 over. the ticket itself was 30 bucks, but the 15+ ticket was like 200. by the way, the whole thing about the speedo was a complete bold face lie. get this, on the stretch of road i was pulled over on.. is now 65mph speed limit. if i got caught 1 month later, i may have gotten a 5-10 mph ticket. every time i see a shiny new 65mph sign i curse. :facepalm:

[Stealth97]

We need more organized crime to get the police to chill the hell out.

[VitaminD]

speaking of tickets... i live at basically, as far as i know, at the END of 27. it may be 29. the same one that goes to carrollton. i was caught at 70 in a 55. i explained to the cop that at the time my speedo bounced at speeds over 45 and i thought the upswing of the needle was my speed, the down swing said 65 so i confessed to speeding in the end. well he takes my info sits in his car for a min or 2, walks up and asks me to get out for a chat. i was happy about this because ive seen those videos of traffic stops and the cop himself get sideswiped. but anyway he told me he was ganna cut me a break because i was honest with him and fessed up to 65. so instead of 70 or 70 something in a 55, he wrote me a ticket for 65, 10 over. the ticket itself was 30 bucks, but the 15+ ticket was like 200. by the way, the whole thing about the speedo was a complete bold face lie. get this, on the stretch of road i was pulled over on.. is now 65mph speed limit. if i got caught 1 month later, i may have gotten a 5-10 mph ticket. every time i see a shiny new 65mph sign i curse. :facepalm:




You got pulled over for 15 over. My understanding is they cannot pull you over for less than 10.

[wildfire0310]

You got pulled over for 15 over. My understanding is they cannot pull you over for less than 10.

Kinda wrong. Anything over 10 they have to pull you over and give you a ticket, but under 10 is up to them. A cop pulled over my buddy and I. Basically stopped us cause his tires squealed around the turn(wedded diff), but he said he pulled us over at 9mph over before we could get to 10, so that he could just give us a warning for the tires.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Kinda wrong. Anything over 10 they have to pull you over and give you a ticket, but under 10 is up to them.

That's not exactly accurate either.

It is against Georgia law for any non state patrol officer to issue a citation to you for 10mph or under if they used a speed detection device (laser, radar, etc.) to determine your speed. They can however pace you with their patrol car and ticket you. They can also stop you for 1-10 mph over in an active school zone, construction zone, historic district, or residential zone. They can issue you a warning for 1-10mph over and/or cite you for other offenses.

State patrol can stop you for any speed.

However, nobody will bother for 1-5 mph over because there is no fine in the State of Georgia for that offense (unless you're in an increased fine zone). 5-10 mph over is only $25 for the first offense, so it's not worth the time or money (again, zone dependent). Overall, if you must speed, limit yourself to 10 mph (or less) over the posted speed limit in Georgia and you'll lessen the likelihood of issues with police. For speed anyway. ;)

[wildfire0310]

That's not exactly accurate either.

It is against Georgia law for any non state patrol officer to issue a citation to you for 10mph or under if they used a speed detection device (laser, radar, etc.) to determine your speed. They can however pace you with their patrol car and ticket you. They can also stop you for 1-10 mph over in an active school zone, construction zone, historic district, or residential zone. They can issue you a warning for 1-10mph over and/or cite you for other offenses.

State patrol can stop you for any speed.

However, nobody will bother for 1-5 mph over because there is no fine in the State of Georgia for that offense (unless you're in an increased fine zone). 5-10 mph over is only $25 for the first offense, so it's not worth the time or money (again, zone dependent). Overall, if you must speed, limit yourself to 10 mph (or less) over the speed limit in Georgia and you'll lessen the likelihood of issues with police. For speed anyway. ;)

Thanks for getting cleared up :D

[VitaminD]

Interesting, my understanding was they were not able to pull you over for 10 or less. I will ask my cop cousin in-law again about the rules.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Nope, they can pull you over all day long, but there's only certain circumstances where they can issue a citation.

[DecoyOctopus]

I <3 police

[scandmx5]

i've gotten out of many speeding tickets by not being a smartass or having an attitude towards police officers. never making excuses. the fact is- if the limit is 55, and you do 56, you are breaking the law. the best was when i had the Volvo, they used to get a kick out of my tag :lol:

:now knocking on wood in hopes i don't eat my words and get a citation:

[DecoyOctopus]

i've gotten out of many speeding tickets by not being a smartass or having an attitude towards police officers. never making excuses. the fact is- if the limit is 55, and you do 56, you are breaking the law. the best was when i had the Volvo, they used to get a kick out of my tag :lol:

:now knocking on wood in hopes i don't eat my words and get a citation:

what did your tag say?


btw i was kidding about <3'ing police. the truth is that ****ing **** them.

[scandmx5]

what did your tag say?


http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c263/cobrar18s/byebmw-1.jpg

[betapi]

A further issue (I am not a lawyer, not do I care to have you think so) for me is that in reading the Georgia code (law) about this, that particular bit you (and I) depend on does not mention LIDAR or other laser stuff, just radar. So could a city kitty get you at 5 over using LIDAR, and you're toast? I dunno either.

IMO, you are correct about both the GHP (any speed over is fine for them) and pacing.

Georgia law code is searchable at:

http://www.lexis-nexis.com/hottopics/gacode/

bt

I am gleefully reminded of how corrupt small town cops are in Georgia when I drive by them doing radar at 10 mph over the limit and they cant do anything. Thanks Ludowici, Ga! Your Dukes of hazzard like speed traps gave your average Georgian like me the license to speed!

P.S. This law does not apply to the state patrol or being "paced" from behind by the local pigs. This is my understanding of the law, please correct me if I'm wrong.

Also please attempt anything described above at your own risk. :D I am not a judge, lawyer, or cop.

[betapi]

OK, laser toasts me too:

§ 40-14-17. Laser devices; reliability and admissibility of evidence


Evidence of speed based on a speed detection device using the speed timing principle of laser which is of a model that has been approved by the Department of Public Safety shall be considered scientifically acceptable and reliable as a speed detection device and shall be admissible for all purposes in any court, judicial, or administrative proceedings in this state. A certified copy of the Department of Public Safety list of approved models of such laser devices shall be self-authenticating and shall be admissible for all purposes in any court, judicial, or administrative proceedings in this state.

HISTORY: Code 1981, § 40-14-17, enacted by Ga. L. 1999, p. 5, § 1.

[VitaminD]

I did a little investigating last night and this morning and here is what I found out.
It is a Georgia state law that police officers (excluding GSP) cannot write a speeding ticket for less than 11 mph over the posted limit if radar, laser, etc. is used to clock you.
Rotornut is correct that they are allowed to pull you over for less than that just to see what you are up to otherwise (I would also heed his advice about school zones and construction areas since it isnt very safe to fly in these zones anyways).
Furthermore they must have clear line of site in order to clock you (no hiding in a fake bush like Rosco)

[RotorNutFD3S]

§ 40-14-1 (4) tells you that any device that uses the doppler principle of radar or speed timing principle of laser is a "speed detection device". Pretty much covers all of the devices available to law enforcement agencies.

(4) 'Speed detection device' means, unless otherwise indicated, that particular device designed to measure the speed or velocity of a motor vehicle and marketed under the name 'Vascar' or any similar device operating under the same or similar principle and any devices for the measurement of speed or velocity based upon the Doppler principle of radar or the speed timing principle of laser. All such devices must meet or exceed the minimum performance specifications established by the Department of Public Safety.

Furthermore they must have clear line of site in order to clock you (no hiding in a fake bush like Rosco)

It's important to note that the required line of sight is only 500 ft. which is not a very long distance at all.

[VitaminD]

Good point about line of sight^^

So, to summarize, take your 10mph unless:
- GSP is the pig in question
- the cop is behind you driving your speed
- You are in a special speed zone i.e. School zone, construction area.
- You have something to hide from the police i.e. dead hooker in the trunk, drugs, stolen goods, etc.

[Spark!Plug]

on the note of not being a dick to the cop that pulled you over. live by it. i didn't treat the cop i ran into in any bad way... i basically said without saying it "im at your mercy." He could have very easily given me a ticket for 70+ but since i treated him with respect and didnt have an attitude to him, i believe that is why he cut me a deal. (and a pretty good excuse plus i admitted i sped) you may hate cops but for the 5 min your talking to him, he's your buddy.

as far as the speedlimit goes. 5+ is the way to go. i usually always run 5-10. i feel running faster is just ASKING to be pulled. i've been pulled for 9-10 just to get a warning and his curiosity of why i was in such a hurry. 5+ they dont really even look at me hard or anything.

[Dr.Drew]

I get pulled over plenty for speeding but very rarely get a ticket by one simple strategy:

Act like a redneck

As soon as the cop walks up to the window I put on my best "aw shucks" voice and explain that this little toy car ain't nothing compared to my old pappy's diesel!

Usually this will hit somewhere deep in the cops soul and he will instantly feel remorse for his fellow backwoods incestist.

It helps to bring up your maw and collard greens if you can. Also note: this probably wont work if you're black or Asian, although I feel that Hispanics might actually get away with it.

[metalman]

It helps to bring up your maw and collard greens if you can. Also note: this probably wont work if you're black

Are you kidding? I wouldnt consider eating ANY greens made by honkys!! :lol:
If they aint made by a black grandma...dont touch em! haha... ;)

[Dr.Drew]

Hmm, I always thought the spelling was "honkeys" thanks for clearing that up.

[metalman]

Hmm, I always thought the spelling was "honkeys" thanks for clearing that up.

Speeling falyure! Honkeys it is. :lol:

[sharkythesharkdogg]

^^ Hey!!! My white granny could make some kickass butter beans, polk salad, collard greens and cornbread! Booyah!

[Dr.Drew]

Collards are only good when there's a large chunk of unidentifiable pork part in it.

[metalman]

I shall never again eat of any greens made by honkeys. :D
This is one true case of 'go black, and you'll never go back'. :lol:
If there is a honkey that can make them 'right' he/she was likely taught by black folk.
And youre right, there is often a piece of unidentifiable meat...along with secret ingredients.

IMO, butter beans, lima beans etc...those arent fit even for animal feed. Ughhh. :lol:

Some 'coanbread' with honey....now thats another matter. Mmmm...good eats.
Even us honkey yanks like that stuff. hehe....


Ohh...but dont put no nasty sweet taters on my plate either. I'll throw those at your head.

[Dr.Drew]

Cornbread should either be sweet or full of beef, pepper, and cheese.

Bland cornbread is just pig feed as far as I'm concerned.

[metalman]

Cornbread should either be sweet or full of beef, pepper, and cheese.



Works for me.
Full of bacon is good too. ;)

[scandmx5]

kurt someone had to teach the blacks how to make collard greens... surely wasn't Maria Sanchez
anything more and i'll get infractions so i'll stop