Taking Your Car Out for a “Walk.” A Ticket for the Slow-Pokes.

Written by Gregory Monte. My wife introduced me to the concept of taking your car out for a “walk.”  Early in our relationship, she used this derisive term to refer to motorists who are just out for a leisurely drive, in no hurry to go anywhere specifically. Of course, there is nothing inherently wrong with … Continue reading Taking Your Car Out for a “Walk.” A Ticket for the Slow-Pokes.

Fighting a Traffic Ticket – Discovery or Open Public Records Requests?

Written by Gregory Monte. You Need Information To win in traffic court, you obviously need information.  Not so obvious, however, is where to get it. First, let’s assume that you were issued a speeding ticket.  Depending on the particular state you live in, you would possibly need proof that: the police officer was certified to … Continue reading Fighting a Traffic Ticket – Discovery or Open Public Records Requests?

The Local Ordinance – A Great Way to Beat a Traffic Ticket

Written by Gregory Monte. I said ordinances – not ordnance! Bad joke, I know, but I couldn’t help myself… In Pennsylvania and many other states, local authorities are allowed to regulate traffic on their local streets.  The only catch is that they have to pass an ordinance through their borough council in order for these … Continue reading The Local Ordinance – A Great Way to Beat a Traffic Ticket

Don’t Touch My Tires! Your Car Really Is Your Castle After All.

Written by Gregory Monte. A man’s car is his castle.” Sir Edward Coke (rephrased for the modern world) A couple of days ago I wrote a blog post about how privacy in your car is similar to the privacy you enjoy in your own home (Your Car is Your Castle … Sort of).  I included … Continue reading Don’t Touch My Tires! Your Car Really Is Your Castle After All.

Goldilocks and the 3 Speeding Tickets

Written by Gregory Monte. “So, when [Goldilocks] came into the kitchen, she saw the three bowls of porridge. She tasted the largest bowl, which belonged to the Big Bear, and found it too cold; then she tasted the middle-sized bowl, which belonged to the Middle-sized Bear, and found it too hot; then she tasted the … Continue reading Goldilocks and the 3 Speeding Tickets

Your Car is Your Castle – Sort of …

Written by Gregory Monte. “A man’s home is his castle.” Sir Edward Coke Liberty minded individuals will understand the meaning of this quote, because the principle has been enshrined in the 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches … Continue reading Your Car is Your Castle – Sort of …

Speeding Tickets in PA – More Reasonable Than Many Other States.

Written by Gregory Monte. NOTE: The information in this blog post has been updated. For more information, check out: Speeding Tickets in PA – Radar vs. Electrical Methods of Timing. My Issue With Traffic Tickets. I get a lot of negative feedback on Facebook when I suggest using technicalities in the motor vehicle law in … Continue reading Speeding Tickets in PA – More Reasonable Than Many Other States.

Your Traffic Ticket Testimony is Trivial and Trifling in a Trial

Written by Gregory Monte. Perhaps I went a bit “over the top” in that blog post title, but I want to hammer home an important point that too many defendants still don’t get: If it is your word against that of the police officer, the judge will always believe the officer.  Unless you can beat … Continue reading Your Traffic Ticket Testimony is Trivial and Trifling in a Trial

No Right to Face Your Accuser in Traffic Ticket Court?

Written by Gregory Monte. “… however, in all summary cases arising under the Vehicle Code or local traffic ordinances, the law enforcement officer observing the defendant’s alleged offense may, but shall not be required to, appear and testify against the defendant. In no event shall the failure of the law enforcement officer to appear, by … Continue reading No Right to Face Your Accuser in Traffic Ticket Court?