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So I thought I would post a quick summary of my experience with the NH Circuit Court system. Earlier this year I was pulled over by a trooper in Bow NH on 93 and was issued a speeding citation that was issued by aircraft. Did all the research I could including getting some very helpful posts on NESR.
First I went to the "pre-trial" in Concord. The officer who issued the ticket does not need to be present at this meeting. He can be represented by another trooper. This guy tried to cut me a deal, reduce the fine from $258 down to $150. Even if I took the deal the points stuck. He said this would be my last opportunity to cut a deal. I told him I'd take my chances in court.
I filed for discovery which means I asked them to send me what evidence they were going to use at trial. I got a copy of the ticket, an aviation daily summary which didn't say shit and calibration report for the timing device they use in the plane.
Next I filed for a motion for continuance which pushed my first court date out. This is the most common strategy pursued as if the trooper doesn't show for the trial the case is dismissed. This was not the case however. He showed along with the observer in the plane.
You have to show up at 8:30 to make roll call. I did. Then the trooper and the observer, a retired trooper, invite me into a room outside the court to "make sure I understand everything". Doesn't take long for me to tell this guy is a dick. He goes on for 10 minutes during which time I do learn that they call down a description of the moving vehicle to the trooper on the ground. When asked what was my description his response was "a motorcycle". Are you fucking kidding me? That's it? Why are they trying to sell me so hard? I figure they are desperate at this point.
I stare at the State Trooper while the other asshole goes on and on and I give him a "you don't have anything on me - go fuck yourself" look. Then I ask the other guy if he's done and we enter the courtroom.
Once all the DUIs and rapists are cleared out I'm up. State presents their case. I present mine. I did not argue that his instrument was off or not calibrated. I simply say what evidence does he have that it was me and cite my stellar driving record. Judge finds me guilty but suspends the sentence and puts the case on file pending no moving violations over six months. So I got out of the fine but as far as I understand the points will hit.
I guess I will consider this a win and hopefully the information may help the next person.
Always challenge authority.