Customer Reviews: Read 21 more reviews...
 Nice book to understand the system June 20, 2008
The book is really organized very well and provides a lot of detailed technicalities that one can make use of to win the case. In fact, I was surprised that we can use these technicalities to great effect in the court, especially if you get a fair minded judge in the court.
The only criticism I have is on the last chapter of the book. In the last chapter, the author talks about the corruption in the entire traffic court system. He concludes that there is very little that one can do to win a case in the court, since Judges and Cops go hand in hand. Well, if this is really true, whats the point of writing the book then?
In conclusion, the book is great when it comes to understanding how the system works. At the end of the day, its just a book. Do not expect the book to win the case for you. You WOULD have to do that for yourself.
 Extremely detailed with tons of information January 9, 2008
If you received a ticket in California or simply want to be prepared for when the time comes, this truly is the book to own. Brown goes into great detail surrounding the most common and some less common traffic citations in California. He is able to break down the complexities and confusion of the vehicle code and traffic court and explain everything in plain English to regular Joe. Brown then walks you through the entire court process from receiving the ticket, to arraignment, trial, and beyond. Bottom line: If you are accused of an infraction in California, THIS IS THE BOOK TO READ. It will answer a lot of questions and clear up much confusion.
Excellent Resource! We should all fight back May 11, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
It is getting rediculous these days , simply how many tickets are issued without any consideration. Recently in california (san jose) the cops have even allocated a special group to give as many tickets. I found that in the last 3 months the group of 5 cops issued a total of 9000 tickets. I helped few of my friends to fight back with 90% success rate.
This book is a very good resource. Every one of us should fight back. The important thing is to make sure they spend more resources, money and time in resolving your discovery requests than they will get from your ticket fines. The trick is to ask for discoveries on things you suspect that maybe a problem. For e.g initating discovery requests such as radar calibration proof (for speeding tickets), condition of traffic lights (for e.g some yellow lights are quicker than others, in red light violation, or right turn without stop), electric lines affecting radars, condition of road (pot holes etc), and so on. you name it. You can find a lot more in this book. Also do some internet research.
I'm not saying that if you truly made a drastic mistake, you should do this. But very minor things that doesn't affect anyone , are being fined rediculous amounts these days.
If you win, you pay nothing and they spend already money and resources on the discoveries. If you loose, you pay the fine anyway, which you'll be paying if you don't fight it.
If enough of us fight back with help from books like these, they will do something to reduce the fines, and issue only tickets to reasonable and drastic mistakes.
Only 1 out of every 50 traffic tickets are disputed October 18, 2006
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Police officers know this statistic and that's one reason why they write tickets that they know wouldn't hold water! That's one of the points in this book. But more importantly the author explains clearly exactly what vehicle code you've been accused of and how you might benefit from disputing it. For example: the most common vehicle code violation in California is Section 22350. Do you know what that means? The author explains it in an easy to understand way. There are something like 5 conditions that have to be met to prove your guilt (I don't have the book right in front of me at the moment). He also explains that ALL of the conditions of Section 22350 have to be met in order for you to be found guilty. Not one or most of the conditions, but ALL of them. I found it pretty easy to get out of one of the conditions and the judge had no choice but to dismiss the charge.
First thing that happens is the officer is given a chance to say his part. He rants on and on about how he's the radar god, the gun was calibrated that morning, blah blah blah. Then it's your turn. Yes you're nervous, but you're also prepared! I said that I didn't dispute the radar's accuracy or the officer's ability to use it, and went on to my defense using the information learned in the book. I highly recommend it. For me, it was worth every penny...and another $421 on top of that ;-)
 Well organized and written - but you'll probably lose your case September 29, 2006
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
I really liked the way the book was orgnaized and written. There is a lot here yet it is easy to read. On the other hand, parts seem to conflict with what the judge and a lawyer friend told me. In particular, the book implied to me that without intent to break the law or negligence you have a chance to win. But apparently this rule of law does not apply to traffic cases. Whatever, I figured I was going to lose my case (I did, but with a slightly reduced fine) but I enjoyed learning about how the system works.
So I'd recommend the book if you like to know what's going on, but don't expect it to rescue you.
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