Lawyer info for the ticket guys

[HR350Z33]

I just spoke with Gary and was able to keep the price at $250! So thats great news for us! If you haven't done so already, you need to "CONTEST" your ticket, make a copy of it, and mail it in to the court house in Aberdeen. I hope everyone has done this already.

For people that cant drive to his office you need to fax in a copy of your ticket (253-584-8858) with your contact information. Call to confirm the fax was received. To pay, call his office(253-584-1110) and pay using C.C. or debit card. Payments are due no later then 5 June 2008.

For people that are able to drive to his office you need to bring a copy of your ticket and payment. Payment needs to be received no later then 5 June 2008. Ticket and contact information needs to be received as soon as possible. See post #53 in this thread for driving information and address.

I suggest everyone involved contact his office with any questions, comments or concerns.

Thank you,

Kasey

P.S. Anyone still wanting to get in on this still has time and is more then welcome to do so!

[inzanesrt4]

Thanks for all your hard work Kasey and keeping everyone informed. Hope all goes well for everyone who got ticket.

We want updates when you guys get this dropped.

[HR350Z33]

Thanks for the kind words!

[AaRoNsGirLSRT4]

thank you. sounds great.

[celicanotrac]

Quote: Originally Posted by HR350Z33

Thanks for the kind words!

I owe you an apology. I'll call him next week probably. I'm also talking to Eric Kulpa as he was recommended by Mitch Green who I've got nothing but respect for.

His recommendation holds some weight.

[HR350Z33]

Alls good that ends well! So best of luck to everyone that is takeing seperate routes!

Kasey

[Tommy the SRT]

Is the lawyer still available guys. I would like to go in on it if it is.

[Tommy the SRT]

I just gave Gary a call. Ill be going with him. Sure he will be able to get us off this.

[HR350Z33]

Yes still available! Glad you are going in with us!

[moltenice]

wow...

Sorry, just found out about this. I've never heard of anything else like this (well maybe gumball)....

Just remember that the court doesnt need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt with a traffic case, the judge just has to semi believe it happened to make his decision. A lawyer would be a good investment, other then that even if there is a valid reason for the case to be dismissed, unless you correctly point this out or have a very sound LEGAL defense (IE not just opinions or the like) it will most likely end with a guilty and fine reduction.
Another option is a defferal which is always an option no matter what you check on your ticket. You can decide to mitigate it, contest it, defer it, or submit a guilty statement the day of court.

[moltenice]

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...