Is it true that if you go to court for a traffic violation hearing with a plea of "not guilty" your case can get dismissed if the officer doesnt show up?
by 
Anonymous
ANSWERS: 5
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That depends on the jurisdiction. In many cases, yes. You may also enter a motion for continuance even if the officer shows up ... http://www.mirrorofjustice.com/Traffic-Law/79094.htm
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Thats what I've heard,I doubt they wont show they get to break the law they enforce every time they pull you over and it pisses them off.
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In my state, the first appearance (the date on your citation) is only an arraignment for you to enter a plea. If you enter a not guilty plea, then the trial commissioner will set a trial date in which you and the officer will both be subpoenaed to court to testify as to what occurred. The whole process for the trial takes mere minutes, but you will have to wait a couple hours for a bunch of administrative stuff to go on, then the court will clear out with the exception of those who have hearings that day. It's going to be a coin flip as to whether you win or not at that point. It depends on how good of a defense you put up and whether or not the trial commissioner is anti-police or not.
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It depends on the seriousness of the traffic law violated. reckless driving would be a good example. Generally, traffic cases are not dismissed, if the officer is not in court. They will receive another court date.
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Not necessarily. At your initial apprearance, the officer doesn't need to be there. If there's a trial and the officer doesn't show, they'll probably reschedule.
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