NMA State Alert for Illinois: Cook County Throws Out Lidar-Based Speeding Tickets
As reported by the Chicago Tribune on November 9th, Cook County defendants pleading "not guilty" to speeding violations where lidar (laser) was used to measure vehicle speed are finding that their tickets are being dismissed. Judges in that county's traffic court are ruling that lidar evidence is not admissable because it has not yet been proven to be valid in an Illinois court. The "not guilty" plea is essential; a plea of "guilty" or "no contest" and payment of the fine by mail does not result in a dismissal of charges.
The judges in Illinois courts outside of Cook County have mixed views, with some dismissing lidar-based tickets and others allowing lidar results into evidence.
As Illinois residents, you should be aware of this defense strategy development should you, or someone you know, be faced with a speeding ticket. Lidar devices are widely used by law enforcement across the state.
