General88X
New Member
I received a citation for speeding in a school zone by a motorcycle cop. I live in Texas. The citation reads 36mph on a 20mph (school zone). When the school zone lights are not on, the speed limit is normally 35mph on that road. I wish to contest this citation because I have reason to believe that the school zone was NOT considered active at the time I was given the citation. I do not recall the automated flashing school zone sign being on at the time I received the citation, thus indicated that the road was not a 20mph, but a 35mph zone. I have returned to the scene on two occasions at approximately the same time I received the citation and the school zone sign was NOT flashing. Apart from that, I spoke to both a city police officer and a school district police officer that both said the 20mph speed limit only applies when the school zone sign is flashing. Do I have a valid defense if I choose to plead not guilty? What hard evidence can I take to court to prove that the school zone was not active at that specific time? Would a simple picture or video of the non-flashing school zone sign be adequate? As of now I only have the word of mouth of two police officers, additionally, I did not record their names or badge numbers. Would that be necessary if I were to mention having spoken to law enforcement officers to confirm my assumption that school zones are only active when the signs are on? I have been driving for two years and this is my first ever citation. Is it even worth it to plead not guilty if I have valid evidence? Can my ticket be dismissed? I am just a broke college student who does not want to be slapped with a double citation and pay upwards of $500 when I believe that I did not break the law.