In 2020 alone, over 2 million citations were given to Florida drivers, according to Safer America.
When you’re issued a speeding ticket in Florida, chances are the officer used either a radar or laser device to measure your speed. While this technology is standard in traffic enforcement, it’s not without faults. The radar’s reliability can be questioned if you want to avoid heavy penalties.
Read on to learn more about fighting a Florida traffic violation.
How Radar and Laser Devices Really Work
Radar and laser speed detection devices are the most common tools used by Florida law enforcement officers to measure vehicle speed.
Radar devices operate by emitting bouncing radio waves. It calculates speed based on the frequency change. Such devices can be used from a moving or stationary patrol car and are capable of tracking multiple vehicles at once.
Laser devices, also known as LIDAR, work by sending out a narrow beam of light aimed at a specific part of the vehicle, such as the front grill or license plate. The device measures how long it takes for the light to reflect back, and then estimates the speed based on that data. Laser devices are often used from stationary positions and are known for their precision.
However, missteps in the following can happen:
- Usage
- Maintenance
- Calibration
Radar Evidence and Its Vulnerabilities
Radar-based citations can be contested when the equipment is not properly calibrated or maintained. Florida law requires regular testing and certification of radar devices, and a lack of documentation can make the results inadmissible.
Another issue arises when multiple vehicles are present within the radar beam’s range. Because radar waves can reflect off more than one object, it can be difficult to prove that your vehicle, and not another, was responsible.
The officer’s training and certification also play a major role. Florida traffic laws require that officers operating radar devices be properly trained and certified.
If the officer lacked updated credentials or if their procedures didn’t align with required standards, a defense attorney can argue that the evidence is flawed. Plus, environmental conditions can interfere with the radar, such as:
- Rain
- Fog
- Surrounding traffic
Weaknesses in Laser-Based Traffic Violations
Laser evidence, although more precise than radar, still has its weaknesses. For laser readings to be accurate, the officer must aim the device precisely and keep it steady.
If the officer’s aim was off by even a small amount, or if they were too far from the vehicle, the speed reading could be wrong. Errors in aiming or stability are common issues that can be used in a legal defense.
Laser devices, like radar units, must also be calibrated and maintained regularly. If the device wasn’t tested according to Florida’s legal standards, or if there’s no record of proper maintenance, a court may rule that the results are unreliable.
Officers are also expected to have an unobstructed line of sight and follow specific procedures when using laser equipment. Interference from roadside obstacles, other vehicles, or poor visibility conditions may undermine the credibility of the reading.
Legal Strategies to Challenge Radar and Laser Evidence
Challenging radar and laser traffic violation evidence begins with examining how the equipment was used and maintained. An attorney can request the maintenance and calibration records of the device used during the traffic stop. If those records show lapses in upkeep or outdated certifications, the reading’s validity may be called into question.
Officers who issue citations based on radar or laser must also meet certain qualifications. Your legal defense may include verifying whether the officer had the necessary training and certification at the time of the citation. If not, the evidence they gathered may not meet the legal standards required for a conviction.
An experienced attorney can also review the circumstances of the stop. They may uncover inconsistencies in the officer’s report, such as:
- Unclear identification of the targeted vehicle
- Obstructed views
- A lack of procedural documentation
Such discrepancies may lead the judge to question whether the reading was accurate or whether the citation was issued appropriately.
In some cases, it may be helpful to involve expert witnesses who understand the technical aspects of radar and laser technology. Professionals can explain to the court how inaccuracies might occur, particularly under specific environmental or procedural conditions. Their insights can be essential in creating reasonable doubt about the evidence.
The Vital Role of Florida Traffic Laws and the Burden of Proof
The burden of proof is on the state when it comes to traffic cases. That means the prosecution must prove that you violated the law and that the radar or laser evidence is credible and admissible.
The case against you may fall apart if your attorney can show that the equipment was:
- Mishandled
- Not maintained
- Operated incorrectly
By focusing on the weak points of the radar traffic violation evidence, your defense can highlight reasonable doubt.
Why RHINO Lawyers Is the Perfect Choice
The legal team at RHINO Lawyers focuses on Florida traffic ticket defense and has extensive experience dealing with radar and laser-based citations. Their attorneys understand the following:
- How these devices work
- What laws govern their use
- How to pinpoint errors in the process
Unlike firms that treat traffic citations as low priority, RHINO Lawyers understands the serious consequences these tickets can bring. From rising insurance rates to points on your license or even suspension, a single violation can have long-term effects. That’s why RHINO Lawyers takes a far-sighted and aggressive approach to helping you avoid traffic violation penalties.
It’s Time to Fight a Florida Traffic Violation
Why accept the consequences of a Florida traffic violation when you can fight for your rights?
With RHINO Lawyers on your side, you receive dedicated legal representation focused entirely on your traffic case. We focus on both personal injury and criminal defense.
Our team has decades of combined experience and will investigate every element of your citation, from the officer’s procedures to the calibration history of the device. We build personalized strategies that give you the best chance of success.
We offer free video consultation and case review, so don’t wait to reach out to RHINO Lawyers today.
CONTACT TAMPA TRAFFIC TICKET ATTORNEY
RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our criminal defense team knows what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at (844) RHINO-77.
