RI District Court and Traffic Tribunal Case Law

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City of East Providence v. James Roberson, C.A. No. M12-0009 (December 13, 2012) Credibility

Defendant appealed the decision of the trial judge sustaining the charged violations of R.I.G.L. 1956 §§ 31-15-11 (laned roadways) and 31-15-5 (turn signal required).  At trial, the Officer testified that he observed Defendant traveling at a high rate of speed, over laned lines, passing vehicles on the left and right, without signaling.  The Defendant argued that the trial judge erred in finding him guilty of the violations.  The Panel explained it will not substitute its judgment for that of the hearing judge on issues of credibility.  The Panel noted that the trial judge found the Officer’s testimony credible, and specifically noted the Defendant admitted to having a broken signal bulb.  On the basis of this evidence, the Panel held that the trial judge did not err in finding the Defendant guilty.  Accordingly, the Panel sustained the charged violations. 

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