Good win today!
After a 20-minute trial, my client was found Not Guilty of Illegal U-Turn Contributing to an Accident (a Class B traffic violation). This case was a big deal to Client because she was looking at a potential suspension of her license if she were convicted. No conviction means no suspension.
U-Turns are Mostly Illegal
I recently posted on Illegal U-Turn Tickets. The most important part of avoiding a U-Turn Ticket in Oregon is to remember to that U-Turns are mostly illegal. U-Turns are allowed in a city at an intersection with a traffic light only if there is a “U-Turn Allowed” sign; and at any other intersection if there is 500 feet visibility in front of and behind your vehicle. Outside of a city you can do a U-Turn at an intersection with a traffic light only if there is a “U-Turn Allowed” sign; and anywhere else so long as there is 1000 feet of visibility in front of and behind your vehicle.
But Not Always
In today’s case, the Deputy testified that Client told him she had done a U-Turn and accidentally collided with another car during the maneuver. However, he also testified that the incident took place outside a city but did not testify that the view was obstructed within 1000 feet. The result: Not Guilty!