Ford Freestyle Gauges down to zero problem involved ticket case, help please.

[typehrb]

Hello, everyone:

I read through all the posts on the Electrical problem topic about the all the gauges down to zero (Dash goes crazy) Frequently/Occasionally. My 05 Freestyle at 70K+ miles start to have same problem a couple month ago. It might happen 0-2 time per day and last about 1-2 minutes and then back to normal. Besides the gauges down to zero, the car’s drivability is always perfect as normal, so I have dealer check once and they found nothing and I just drive it as it.

The more interesting thing is: it involved my first ticket in the past 4 years, at Richmond, VA three week ago. I knew VA is strict on the speeding and almost used the speed control all the time to cross this state. But that day in Richmond, when I canceled speed control in rush hour traffic, this happens, and GPS warning me keeping left to avoid exiting to I-64 (I was in N I-95) by mistake. I felt the traffic pushed me to fast and check the speedometer but it was at zero position, but I still made a decision to change back to right lane to avoid over speed. At this time, the police officer saw me. After he followed me for a while and confirm I had out of state plate (NC). He flashed the light and pulled me over, charging me speeding 71 at 55.

I was shook at that time, as I heard VA will put over $1000 fine on speeding, and my daughter was scared as it was the first time we face this. I also have a little difficulty to communicate with the officer at that time, so I forgot to mention the gauges issue.

Later I found NC DMV would suspend my DL for 30 days, for just one time speeding over 15 mph. Thus I decide to plea no guilty on the court. I first said I have good driving records, and then said I tried to avoid by pushing over speed and changed lane, and put the most important reason at the last, gauge down to zero at that time (I believe that I should put the most important reason at first next time). For proof, I have a notarized speedometer verification, speedometer is about normal range but with a note on it mentioned the speedometer does not work some time, the mechanic fortunately noticed it happened once, plus the gauge issue discussion in this forum. However, the judge did not believe me, and said what I said was inconsistent.

I choose to appeal in another court two months later. I will do this not only because I was telling the truth, but also because fight back to VA speeding ticket. If I paid attention on speed like this plus this reason and still not able to avoid the ticket, I don’t believe it’s just judgment. My question is:

What other proof I should provide for this case in next court day? I already have the notarized note on this problem.

Can any body have the same issue on your freestyle/Taurus X give some supports on my case? If you want, you could help me by writing down that you have same issue happened on your car (Freestyle or Taurus X) and believe that was reasonable happened. If you could sign you name, address and phone number, and mail to:

Mr. TENG
101 Ashtree Ct, Cary, NC 27519

Or scanned and email the file to:
typehrb@gmail.com

I would highly appreciate your valuable helps!

[KAH]

Mr. Teng:

You have to do what you feel is correct and fair. But you did get a speeding ticket. You admit you were going fast. And the Judge is going to make you pay.

The problem with your five year old vehicle is immaterial, in my opinion. Since you were driving a defective vehicle and you knew it, it is your responsibility to get
it fixed or not drive it.

If you are unable or unwilling to get your car fixed you have a real problem.

Were in your spot, I would pay the fine and be done with it.

Please let us know how this comes out. You can't win them all.

Ken H.

[veeight]

In NC, you can try for an Improper Equipment plea in which you can get the offense reduced to just the the fine, court costs and attorney fees. No points on your license and your insurance does not go up (this part is really important). If I remember correctly, IE can only be used once every three years.

There is also the classic "Prayer for Judgement".

Any good traffic attorney knows about these two (or more) methods...

Give it a couple of weeks, I am sure you will get several offers in the mail from VA traffic attorneys who will offer to take your case and save the day. For a fee, of course. Sounds crooked, but it is the way our legal system is set up.

Also, you may want to get your instruments fixed so you won't have that excuse for speeding.