Don't ever give up on a ticket. Hire a lawyer.

Which the officer is much less inclined to do, and the DA much less likely to request, when he's left the department. Would you work for your previous employer for free?

 

Most courts, maybe all courts, your attorney is equal to you being in court for non-criminal charges.

 

He also could have moved out of state. They’re not going pay him travel expenses plus his time for traffic court

 

Not a crime if not convicted

 

I do not believe that is correct. Perhaps you could give a reference. Here is mine.......

The Sixth Amendment guarantees defendants certain rights in all criminal prosecutions. These rights protect criminal defendants from abuse by state and federal governments. These rights include:

The Sixth Amendment's Confrontation Clause - FindLaw

Initially, the Sixth Amendment's protections only applied to prosecutions in federal courts. However, the Fourteenth Amendment applied the protection to the state courts. Thus, it applies in any criminal prosecution.

 

Where is OJ's theme..lol

 

This was in Vancouver, Wa. I am my own reference! I was cut off by a pick up truck who decided to make a the last second exit from the hammer lane, lane 3. When he pulled across all 3 lanes and got in front of me to exit I almost rear ended him. A Washington State Patrol officer saw the whole thing as it unfolded. I was feeling vindication was on it's way when I saw the flashing lights come on.

Boy was I wrong, he pulled me over and cited me for following too close. A big fine and a major violation in a commercial vehicle. I didn't hire a lawyer, I fought it myself and notified the court that I would plead not guilty and appear in court.

In court I was one of the first cases called and when I stood up and came to the bench to be sworn in the judge said my case was dismissed as she didn't receive an affidavit from the officer who cited me. Not wanting to tempt fate I only asked if that's normal protocol, testifying by affidavit? She said yes! I said good day, ma'am and walked swiftly to my car.

 

It's a basic right of any defendant to confront and question his accuser. One can not question an affidavit. I've represented myself more than once and I would make a simple motion to dismiss if the officer was not present. If is not granted you have the basis for an appeal.

 

How do you confront your accuser for a traffic citation from a red light camera or a speed camera?