All bikers are guilty until proven innocent

A few of you might remember I got a ticket July 3rd for “weaving” – No signal, a mile from my house, got it on video, and it was bullshit, I changed lanes 2x in 5 miles, but I wonder what the judge will say?  After talking to a few people, it appeared I had a good case.  The video showed there was a slim chance any video could have even seen my signals, since I could NOT see the Trooper’s signals in MY video.  So I decided to fight.  I put together a compelling case of the entire video, and some scree captures, with annotations and position of the vehicles in question.

 

What I was not really excited for the judge to see was the video of me passing the car in the left lane. It was fast. It was close. It was questionable. A judge might think it was reckless, and add another charge. That was my ONLY fear. But I decided to go for it anyway. I was charged with a crime I did not commit.

I showed for the date on the ticket. I told the judge I have video evidence I would like to present.

He set the date, and told me driving class would not be an option if convicted.
I told him yes sir.

While walking out of the courtroom, I mumbled “I would rather have my eyes gouged out than spend another Saturday listening to a driving professor again”

I hope he did not hear me.

I was in the courtroom for less than 2 minutes – I am looking forward to my day in court.

I like the judge.

 

I hate motorcycles

September 30 – my final appearance.
I got a nice parking spot. Confirmed bad form by B’ham’s Finest – I turn in and park on the sidewalk after receiving the thumbs up.

 

As I walk towards the courthouse, I notice my nemesis parked beside the building.  He is fiddling with something while he sits in AC comfort.

Maybe I should not have snapped this picture?

 

I walked thru the metal detectors and found myself inside the courtroom.

As I sat down I heard

 “Someone just rode in on a motorcycle……I HATE those things. Get you killed pretty quick.”

The statement roared from the bench. the judge noticed me, and he was NOT happy.

There were only 10 defendants in the courtroom so a giant clothed in moto-gear, carrying a back pack and a helmet stands out a bit. Yes, I guess he was talking to me – or at me.

I knew I was in trouble.

About 3 minutes later, the Trooper walks in. He looks at me, I give a head nod, and a big grin. The game begins.

Then as he walks past, I notice he is carrying a laptop….. A LAPTOP? You mean he actually has video footage?

What can it be? Is it any better than mine? I can’t see HIS signals in my video, how can he have any better evidence than mine?

The Trooper opens the laptop, and pulls up video. From what I can see at the back of the courtroom, the video is not any better than mine. But I am still worried. I did not expect him to have ANY video?

After 3 more minutes the judge says “You…. in the green shirt…..come on up!”

I grab the backpack and laptop, as I walk to the bench, the Trooper moves over towards me. The judge looks to him and says “Begin”

Trooper: Blah, blah blah….Mr Redman this, blah blah that.  He changed lanes and failed to signal.
Me: But I did signal, and I have video evidence.
Judge: Trooper, can you see him not signaling?
Trooper: Judge I zoomed in and out, but I could not see him signaling.
Me: He is 200 yards in front of me when I make the lane change, he can’t even see my bike, as I cannot see his car in my video.
Judge: How do you have video?
Me; I was filming while riding
Judge; What? How were you filming while riding?
Me: I always film while I am riding.
Judge: But HOW do you film while riding?
Me: I have a camera attached to my helmet, and it films automatically while I am riding…always.
Judge: {Confused}

So I pull up the laptop and present it to the judge to illustrate the distance.

Judge: Does your video show you signaling?
Me: No sir, you cannot see the signals from the rear
Judge: {pause}
Judge: {pause}
Judge: {pause}
Judge: {looks me in the eye}

I realize things are not going well………………..

But I also realize the Trooper has not shown HIS video…………..

What to do? Think fast Redman!

The judge looks back at me, then the Trooper……

Uhoh, pull something out – QUICK!!

ME: I do NOT fight tickets. I would not be here if I was guilty. I take my punishment when I am wrong, but I am not guilty your honor, and that is the only reason I am here.
Judge: {Looks at his computers, mouses, as if to look at my driving record}
Judge: Well, today is your lucky day, I am gonna give you the benefit of the doubt
Me: {mumbling something that I do not remember}
DA: You should be quiet now, you WON!
Trooper: I was not even gonna write you till you started arguing with me. {grinning}
Judge: Today you get the benefit of the doubt
Me: Thank you your honor

Then I start talking to the Trooper like we were old pals, and reliving the day, when the DA tells me to be quiet and leave.

JUSTICE SERVED in Birmingham Alabama – 9:15am Sept. 30, 2014
As I walk to the back of the courtroom to collect my gear, the judge roared:

” I hate motorcycles!”

This post was written by

Don Redman – who has written posts on Bama Rides.

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