"Ran Stop Sign" Ticket. No stop sign at intersection written on ticket. Valid Defense?

Question

Hi,

I recently received a ticket for running a stop sign. The address is written on the ticket as "2500 Lincoln Ave" near "Rotary Park". I was pulled over in Rotary Park.

There is no stop sign at 25th and Lincoln Ave.

Is this a valid defense?

Answer 1

Sure. Go to that corner and take photos, use that as visual aid. As long as there is no other way to interpret the citation, you should be free and clear!

And stop running stop signs. Now you gotta do all this work, when you could have avoided it by just stopping for a few seconds.

Answer 2

As long as you have your addresses correct, and are absolutely certain there is no stop sign where the officer claims, go take a picture of it, submit an affidavit (learn how to do one correctly) stating no stop sign exists there with the picture as a labeled exhibit, have the affidavit notorized when you sign it, enter it into your file the day before court, and you'll get a dismissal. Consider just approaching the prosecutor with the information first verbally, by phone or in person, as that may be a short cut if the prosecutor is reasonable. If he/she is not, the above is what I would do (but is of course not legal advice; I am not an attorney). I tutor on traffic tickets a ton and wish they were all this easy. It's a rare win on a simple "technicality."
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Answer 3

Yes, this is absolutely a valid defense, however you need proof, so go to the intersection where there is supposed to be a stop sign and take photos from several positions. Take one from about a block away as though you are in a car, then take one about 20 yards from the intersection so that the judge can see the signs of the cross streets to verify it's at the same place. Take other pictures as you deem necessary.
A similar thing happened to a friend of mine but for her there was a stop sign but it was completely hidden behind a bush and couldn't be seen until you were at the intersection by which time it was too late. She took photos and the judge threw it out.

Answer 4

I agree with KC V, There is nothing working in your favor, so don't even think you can try to get out of it on a technicality like that. You recieved a ticket, call the court house and get the info you need to take care of it. You should be able to pay for it before going to court unless you just want to contest the ticket and pay court costs. As far as the officer telling you that you have to appear in court, there must be other reasons you are not telling us about for that to be the case. Running a Stop sign is not a mandatory appearance offense. EDIT: I love when people come on here and give Law advice and have no Law background whatsoever....LMAO

Answer 5

yes its worth a shot. the reason i say this is.technicality. the judge will look at as a typo on the officers ticket. you plead npt guilty take a picture if possible showing there is no stop sign there. he will throw it out of court and repremand the officer.

Answer 6

Ticket is a summary; if the officer testifies you ran a stop sign at an address under oath and there is a stop sign there and you ran it, you're toast.

You ran it; pay it and move on.

Answer 7

yes it is...take many MANY pictures....from a block away, 1/2 a block away, 20 yrds. 5 yrds. surrounding where the stop sign should havd been from different angles

Answer 8

Go take pictures,seeing is beleiveing.

Answer 9

Could be.

Answer 10

no.