Reckless Driving Charges Dismissed After Police Officer Arrived Too Late
A recent ZLF client found himself charged with Reckless Driving and Safe Speed violations, facing a 6-month license suspension, over $400 in fines and court costs and likely loss of employment upon conviction. The client was accused of speeding through a red light at an intersection with heavy pedestrian traffic. Upon being stopped by a police officer, a verbal argument ensued, in which the officer ended up charging him with the most serious traffic charge he could. Our office was prepared for trial, as it appeared unlikely from the circumstances that the police officer would be willing to negotiate any reduction.
This case is a classic example of why having an attorney to represent you on serious traffic offenses is money well spent. Although the magistrate's office was particularly busy that day, the Judge made an effort to call our case first to accommodate Attorney Zuckerman's schedule. At the time the case was called, the police officer was not present, which led to the dismissal of the case. Minutes later, the officer was observed entering the magistrate's office. Had the man been unrepresented, his case would not have been called first, and the charges would not have been dismissed.