If you plan to fight it yourself some things I would recommend (this is how alot of the lawyers win their cases)...
Be familiar with Washington State Court Rules
Washington Courts
You will want to file for discovery of evidence. Discovery is governed by IRLJ 3.1(b) which states:
(b) Discovery.
Upon written demand of the defendant at least 14 days before a contested hearing, filed with the court and served on the office of the prosecuting authority assigned to the court in which the infraction is filed, the
plaintiff's lawyer shall at least 7 days before the hearing provide the defendant or the defendant's lawyer with a copy of the citing officer's sworn statement and with the names of any witnesses not identified in the citing officer's sworn statement. If the prosecuting authority provides the citing officer's sworn statement
less than 7 days before the hearing but not later than one day before the hearing, the citing officer's
sworn statement shall be suppressed only upon a showing of prejudice in the presentation of the defendant's case. If the prosecuting authority, without reasonable excuse or justification, fails to provide the citing officer's sworn statement, the statement shall be suppressed. No other discovery shall be required. Neither party is precluded from investigating the case, and neither party shall impede another party's investigation. A request for discovery pursuant to this section shall be filed on a separate pleading.
Call the Clerk of the Court shown on your citation. Ask them a few things:
1) The filing date of the citation. It must be filed with 5 days of the infraction (not counting weekends and holidays) or you can make a motion for dismissal under IRLJ 2.2(d) at your hearing.
2) Ask the Clerk to read you the officer's sworn statement. You will still have to formally request a copy through discover, but this will give you an idea of the entire amount of evidence against you.
3) Get the address of the prosecutor so that you can serve your discovery request. You must "serve" the prosecutor and "file" a copy of the Request with the court. The dates are extremely important. I recommend highly to
NOT subpoena the Officers...
