Our Speeding Ticket Defense Lawyers are located in Easton, Pennsylvania and are the Proud Designers of the First and Only Instant ENRADD & VASCAR Speeding Defense Calculator.
Our Speeding Ticket Defense Attorneys provide expert representation to drivers across the Lehigh Valley, including Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, Pennsylvania. With extensive experience in contesting a wide array of speeding citations and speed calculation methods, we are well-equipped to defend against any type of speeding ticket.
In Pennsylvania, traffic police utilize various methods for vehicle speed tracking and citation issuance. These include Pacing, Aircraft Speed Detection, Manual Distance Timing (such as VASCAR), Laser and Electronic Distance Timing (like ENRADD), and Radar – although it’s important to note that only the Pennsylvania State Police are authorized to use radar.
Each speed detection method has its own potential for inaccuracies, legal complexities, and unique defenses. Devices like VASCAR and ENRADD might seem complex or daunting, but we break them down in detail below to demystify them for you.
Our law firm stands unique as the only Speeding Ticket Defense Law Firm in the world to design and produce an innovative ENRADD/VASCAR calculator. This exclusive tool, a testament to our commitment to cutting-edge legal solutions, plays a crucial role in our speeding ticket defense strategy throughout the Lehigh Valley. We're proud not only to utilize this tool in our practice but also to make it publicly available, demonstrating our dedication to providing accessible legal resources.
Ticketed Speed Actual SpeedDespite its complex-sounding name, VASCAR is essentially a sophisticated stopwatch and calculator combo used to measure a vehicle’s speed over a certain distance. However, the accuracy of VASCAR is largely dependent on the human officer operating it, introducing potential for error. These errors could be due to human reaction time, limitations in visual observation, and inaccuracies in measuring distance, all of which provide solid grounds for contesting a speeding ticket.
To operate VASCAR, an officer must first define a specific length of road, known as the ‘track’, and enter its ‘track distance’ into the device. The officer then chooses a vantage point to clearly see both the start and finish lines of this track. The critical action involves the officer flipping switches to mark the vehicle’s passing of the start and finish lines, which is where human reaction time can introduce error.
The chance of error is inherent in both the measurement of the track distance (often done using a police cruiser’s odometer) and the officer’s reaction time in operating the switches. These aspects are common sources of inaccuracies and form the basis of many defenses against speeding tickets.
One way officers try to mitigate errors from distance measurement and reaction time is by increasing the track distance. However, this introduces a new issue: parallax error. Without delving into complex explanations, it’s important to understand that as the track ends move further apart, the potential for error in judging when a vehicle crosses these points increases, often resulting in falsely high speed readings.
Our firm has developed an innovative solution: the VASCAR Speeding Defense Calculator. This unique tool, created by our Easton Law Office, is designed to challenge and defeat VASCAR-based speeding tickets. It’s the first and only tool of its kind, reflecting our commitment to advanced legal defense strategies. Try our VASCAR Speeding Defense Calculator to see how we can assist in your defense.
ENRADD is a semi-mobile speed enforcement device employing laser technology to measure a vehicle’s speed. While it’s commonly used by local police departments, it’s less frequently utilized by State Police.
Similar to VASCAR, ENRADD calculates speed based on the distance-over-time principle. The ‘track distance’ and the time taken by a vehicle to traverse this distance are crucial for the calculation, and these details should be noted on any speeding ticket. However, unlike VASCAR, ENRADD automates the tracking of a vehicle’s passage through the start and finish lines using laser technology.
The ENRADD system comprises four posts, set up in pairs on each side of the road. Each pair is spaced three feet apart and marks the ‘track’ start and finish lines. Lasers extend between the posts on each side of the road. When a vehicle breaks the laser beam at the start and then at the finish line, ENRADD records the time taken to travel these three feet.
While ENRADD eliminates the need for manual timing by an officer, unlike VASCAR, it introduces its own set of challenges. The ENRADD ‘track’ is only three feet long, meaning any errors or malfunctions in the device can significantly impact the accuracy of the speed calculation. The device must be set up on level ground and along a straight path. Deviations from these conditions can result in inaccurate readings, as different parts of the vehicle may break the laser beams at varying points, leading to incorrect speed calculations. Given that the ‘track’ is just 36 inches long, even minor errors can have substantial effects on the speed recorded.
Commonly asked questions by driver in Easton, Allentown & Bethlehem about Traffic & Speeding Ticket Defense
If you are in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton or the surrounding area and have been cited for a serious speeding violation, it is important that you figure out how to navigate the court system quickly. Our speeding defense lawyers handle all varieties of speeding tickets. We handle VASCAR, ENRADD, Stopwatch & Radar speeding tickets.
If you have received a speeding ticket you should plead not guilty immediately. Once you pay the fine, you have admitted guilt. There are likely potential defenses against the violation. Your speeding ticket and the circumstances surrounding it should be reviewed immediately by a speeding ticket defense attorney. Our Traffic Attorneys are committed to seeking the best possible outcome in your speeding ticket case.
The vast majority of speeding tickets are Summary Offenses and will initially be disposed of by the Magisterial District Court.
If charged with a summary, the police officer will typically write you a citation without arresting you, this is what occurs in the majority of traffic stops. In other cases, an ordinary citizen may file summary offense charges against you through the private criminal complaint process. You have 10 days to plead not guilty to the charge. Be sure to follow the instructions on the back of the citation. When pleading not guilty, you will be required to post what is called collateral. The court requires you to pay a portion of your citation in advance. If you are found not guilty at the court hearing, your money will be refunded to you.
When you are charged with a criminal or traffic summary offense, your local Magisterial District Judge will have jurisdiction over the case. Magisterial District Court is more informal than the Court of Common Pleas. District judges are not required to be lawyers but many are. On the day of your case, your attorney should speak with the police officer or other party before the hearing and request that he or she dismiss the charge, allow you to plead to a lesser charge or reduce the fine. If the police officer or opposing party is not receptive to this, it may be in your best interests to take your summary case to a trial. A typical summary trial lasts under an hour. The prosecuting party and any witnesses that he or she wishes to call will take the witness stand first. Your attorney will be given the opportunity to cross-examine these witnesses. Once the Commonwealth finishes its case-in-chief, you and any of your witnesses will take the witness stand. You and your witnesses will also be subject to cross-examination by the police officer. At that point, both sides will be given the opportunity to make closing arguments before the district judge. You will deliver your closing argument first and the prosecuting side will deliver their argument last. Once closing arguments have concluded, the judge will render a decision.
If you retain the best trial attorney in a speeding ticket case, you have the advantage from the start. In the majority of cases, a police officer will be prosecuting the case. Very rarely will an Assistant District Attorney show up to prosecute your speeding ticket case in District Court. Police officers are not attorneys and have limited training in the rules of evidence and technicalities of the law.
If you are found guilty of a speeding ticket in District Court, you have 30 days to appeal your case to the Court of Common Pleas. Even if you plead guilty to the speeding ticket before consulting an attorney, you still have a right to appeal your case to the Court of Common Pleas but the deadline for this appeal may be shorter than the 30 day deadline if you’re found guilty at trial.
Common Pleas judges are required to be licensed attorneys. Typically, an Assistant District Attorney will also be in court to assist the police in prosecuting summary appeal matters. In the Court of Common Pleas you have the right to a trial de novo. This means that you get a new trial and get to start all over again. You will be able to go through the entire process that occurred at District Court. The same rules of evidence and procedure apply. The Assistant District Attorney has the ability to offer you a plea bargain on your summary appeal trial date.
At a summary appeal you will often find yourself before a more impartial and more highly trained judge, but you will also be up against a more highly trained prosecutor.
You should contact an Speeding Ticket Defense & Driver License Attorney immediately. In most cases, when PennDOT notifies you that your license may be suspended you must file two (2) appeals. You must file a civil appeal against PennDOT but you must also file a “criminal” appeal challenging the underlying ticket as well. Unfortunately most pro se litigants to not file the second, summary appeal, which inevitably leads to their PennDOT appeal being dismissed and their license loss.
PennDOT maintains a driving record for every licensed driver in Pennsylvania. Points are added to a driving record when a driver is found guilty of certain driving (moving) violations. The purpose of the point system is to help to improve driving habits and to ensure safe driving. PennDOT begins to take corrective action when a driving record reaches 6 or more points. The following sections explain what happens when a driving record reaches 6 or more points:
Under the Age of 18 in Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe or Northampton County
The driving privilege of a person under the age of 18 will be suspended if that person accumulates six (6) or more points or is convicted of driving 26 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit. The first suspension will be for a period of 90 days. Any additional occurrences will result in a suspension of 120 days. This suspension is in addition to the requirements of the point system found below.
First Accumulation of 6 Points in Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe or Northampton County
When any driving record reaches 6 or more points for the first time, the driver will receive a written notice to take a special written point examination. The examination will address:
1. Knowledge of Safe Driving Practices,
2. Knowledge of Departmental Sanctions, and
3. Knowledge of Related Safety Issues.
The driver has 30 days to successfully pass the exam or else the license will be suspended until the exam is passed. If the exam is passed within the 30 day period, 2 points will be removed from the driving record.
Second Accumulation of 6 Points in Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe or Northampton County
When any driving record is reduced below 6 points and then for a second time reaches 6 or more points, the driver will have to attend a Departmental Hearing. The driver will receive a written notice of the specific time and location of the required hearing. At the hearing, a hearing examiner will review the driver’s record. After the hearing, the Department may recommend one or more:
1. Order a 15 Day License Suspension,
2. Order the Driver to Take a Special On-Road Driver’s Examination, or
3. Take No Action.
If a person’s driving privilege is suspended or a special driver’s exam is recommended, 2 points will be removed from the driving record if the driver passes the exam within 30 days or 2 points will be removed once the 15 day suspension has been served. No points are removed from the driving record if the Department does not initiate a sanction.
Failure to attend this Departmental Hearing will result in a 60 day license suspension.
Third or More Accumulation of 6 Points in Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe or Northampton County
When any driving record is reduced below 6 points and for the third or subsequent time reaches 6 or more points, the driver will have to attend a Departmental hearing. The hearing examiner will review the driving record. The Department will then determine if a 30 day license suspension will be initiated.
Failure to attend this Departmental hearing will result in the suspension of the driver’s license until the driver attends the hearing.
Excessive Speeding in Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe or Northampton County
When a driver is convicted for speeding 31 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, the driver will have to attend a Departmental Hearing. The driver will receive a written notice of the specific time and location of the required hearing. The hearing examiner will review the driving record. Upon the Department’s review of the hearing file, one or both of the following will be initiated:
1. 15 Day License Suspension
2. Special On-Road Driver’s Examination
If a 15 day suspension is initiated, the driving record will show 5 points upon restoration. No points are removed if a special driver’s examination is initiated and completed.
Failure to attend this Departmental Hearing will result in a 60 day license suspension.
Accumulation of 11 Points or More
When any driving record reaches 11 or more points, the driver’s license will automatically be suspended. The length of suspension depends on how many times the license was suspended in the past. The suspension schedule is as follows:
1. First Suspension – 5 days per point
2. Second Suspension – 10 days per point
3. Third Suspension – 15 days per point
4. Subsequent Suspensions – One year
Point Removal for Safe Driving
Three (3) points are removed from a driving record for every 12 consecutive months a person drives (from the date of the last violation) without a violation which results in points, license suspension or revocation. Once a driving record is reduced to zero and remains at zero points for 12 consecutive months, any further accumulation of points is treated as the first accumulation of points.
License Suspension and Restoration
If a person’s driving privilege is to be suspended, a written notice will be mailed to the driver listing the date when the suspension will begin. The driver may appeal the suspension to his or her county’s Court of Common Pleas. The appeal must be made WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER the mailing date of the notice. The most recent product (ie, license, permit(s) and/or camera card) must be returned to the Bureau of Driver Licensing by the effective date of suspension listed on the notice or the State Police, local police or other authorities that have been delegated by the Department will be notified to pick up the license. In addition to serving the suspension or revocation, the appropriate restoration fee must be paid before the license will be returned. After the driving privilege is restored, the driving record will show 5 points, regardless of the number of points which appeared on the record before the license was suspended (except in the case of a 15 day suspension resulting from a hearing for the second accumulation of 6 points).
The very first step is to plead not guilty. Then contact a Lehigh Valley Speeding Ticket Defense Attorney.
