Radar/Laser Calibration

Defendant appealed the decision of the trial judge sustaining the violation of R.I.G.L. 1956 § 31-14-2 (prima facie limits).  The Court held that the standards for admissibility of speed readings set forth in State v. Sprague, 322 A.2d 36 (R.I. 1974) were met because the officer testified that the radar unit had been calibrated “within a reasonable time and by an appropriate method” and that he possessed “training and experience in the use of a radar unit.”  Therefore, the Appeals Panel held the officer’s testimony introduced evidence that the defendant had, in fact, been speeding and sustained the violation against the defendant.

Town of Glocester v. John J. Quinn, C.A. No. T11-0077 (March 7, 2012).pdf