Radar devices are sued to detect the speed of an object by using radio signals. Radar is a permitted and approved speed measuring device in the State of Florida. It is used to measure the speed of a vehicle as it is being operated on the roadway.
A radar detector emits sound waves to a target and waits to receive those sound waves back. The sound waves hit the target, bounce off the target, and return to the detector. The speed in which those waves come back is determined by a scientifically reliable and proven method according to the court. When the sound wave comes back, it tells the instrument how fast the target is going.
Radar devices are used by Law Enforcement to detect drivers who are speeding. Contact an experienced lawyer to learn more about radar evidence in West Palm Beach speeding cases and how to build a defense for a speeding ticket. Let our team of seasoned speeding ticket attorneys at Leifert & Leifert advocate for you.
How Much Weight is a Radar Reading Given in Court?
Radar readings are considered valuable evidence in West Palm Beach speeding cases. In court, an officer who issued the ticket will state that they are licensed, trained, and permitted to operate a radar device. The officer may also testify that the instrument is properly calibrated and maintained and that they have the paperwork to prove it.
The defendant does not have a statutorily approved speed measuring device. They do not have a scientifically accepted way of proving their speed. In these cases, it is the defendant’s word against the police officer’s word. The officer has a calibrated, court-approved speed measuring device. Radar usually wins in court unless the defendant can prove the speeding vehicle was not theirs.
The defendant might prove by way of digital evidence that they were not speeding at that time and can prove it by using the data from a digital camera like those on a police car. Several motorists now use that in their own defense for traffic accidents and infractions.
Errors in Radar Readings
There are several ways that a radar reading could be inaccurate. Sources of error could be the angle at which the device is used, other vehicles interfering with the signals back and forth, or operator error. The instrument may be faulty, or the operator pulled over the wrong vehicle. Poor weather conditions can also impact the reading of a radar device. Anything in the atmosphere can affect the light or sound wave reflection. If the calibration is not done correctly, the officer could recover the incorrect speed.
An experienced defense lawyer knows how to evaluate all of the necessary documents, requirements, certifications, and qualifications to find an error. Any source of error could result in a dismissal of the case.
How an Attorney Could Help
Our lawyers from Leifert & Leifert could help you fight against radar evidence in West Palm Beach speeding cases. Radar devices are crucial evidence in traffic cases, but the readings can be inaccurate if the device is not calibrated or the officer does not use it correctly. Call today to learn more about how an attorney could help you with your case.
