While receiving a speeding ticket can be a stressful situation, know that you do not need to face it alone. A distinguished defense attorney can use their knowledge of speeding determination in Fort Lauderdale to potentially create a legal strategy that could help your case. Read on to learn more about what goes into speeding determination in Fort Lauderdale, as well as the ways it could make a difference for you.
Tools and Tactics Used for Speeding Determination in Fort Lauderdale
Speeding determination in Fort Lauderdale usually involves the use of a radar or laser by law enforcement. Another form of speed detection could include a process called pace clocking, where an officer would maintain a consistent distance between their vehicle and the other driver over a particular amount of time. If their speedometer has been properly calibrated, they would be able to issue a speeding citation to the other driver by looking at their speedometer and applying their speed to the individual that they are pace clocking.
However, some of the issues regarding pacing include lack of calibration and degree of error. It is impossible to maintain an exact distance between any two vehicles over a significant period of time, resulting in a large degree of error. Because of this, the defense against this tactic would include that high degree of error, calibration issues with respect to the police officer’s speedometer, and the distance over which the pacing occurred.
Contesting an Officer’s Claim
In order to avoid wrongfully receiving points on one’s license for a traffic infraction, one may need to contest an officer’s claim in court. There are many rules and regulations with respect to the equipment that law enforcement uses for speed detection. All law enforcement officers have to engage in training regarding the use of radars and laser devices. The law in Fort Lauderdale requires that an officer make an independent visual determination that an individual was exceeding the speed limit before utilizing any of those devices or methods.
The devices that officers use must be approved devices. The devices have to be tested and maintained routinely according to the Florida Administrative Code. For example, speedometers must be calibrated every six months. Documentation proving that calibration has to be brought to court for every speeding violation. A driver can contest a speeding claim by arguing that the method or the instrument used by law enforcement was not reliable as a result of the tool not being calibrated or maintained properly. Eye-witness testimony may also be given as a defense, and any other drivers who were at the scene, any passengers in the vehicle, and the offender’s own statements and testimony can be provided to the court.
Accuracy of Fort Lauderdale Traffic Radar Instruments Used
Most judges give radar readings much greater weight than pace clocking when used correctly by educated officials. If the radar equipment is maintained properly and operated by a qualified law enforcement officer, most traffic magistrates and judges would give their readings great weight in a case and consider them to be relatively accurate. However, operator error on radar guns is fairly common. In heavily congested areas, the radar can potentially give a misreading of another vehicle due to interference from other equipment or other frequencies from electronics in the area. Because of this, it is significant to note that these devices are not foolproof even if they contain high readings.
Role of a Qualified Attorney
If you have questions regarding speeding determination in Fort Lauderdale and how it could potentially affect your case, consider scheduling a consultation with a skilled defense lawyer who can offer you their advice gained from years of fighting in the courtroom. An attorney can help to prepare you for what to face in court, as well as what to expect throughout the duration of the trial. If you require legal assistance regarding your speeding determination in Fort Lauderdale, reach out to a dedicated defense lawyer today.
