Shortly after exiting I-55 onto I-57 near Mound City Illinois, a hidden police car suddenly appears and a ticket is issued for speeding in a “construction” zone. There was no visible warning of a speed zone ahead, and no evidence of anyone working on the road. Appr. 2 miles from the point where the car was pulled over, there was 1 piece of equipment, no evidence of anyone doing any work at all. The information gained from the Police Officer (Pulaski County Sheriff’s deputy) the fine would be $325 plus court costs of $125 totaling $450, PLUS an appearance at the court was mandatory. We live in northern Michigan, and the distance to the Court is 640.3 miles, a 12.8 hour drive. My wife called the Circuit Court Clerk and was told the appearance is Mandatory, no mail in the fine allowed. Obviously this is a scam. I have investigated the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code and it is clearly stated what the set up requirements are for a “construction zone”. This arrest (yes, a traffic violation is an arrest) breaks the law of the State Of Illinois. I have sent a request for all the measurements of where and how the contstruction zone is required to be to the Court Clerk, including a request for change of venue, and a Court Date and Time. We were told we had to appear by the appointed time, and wait in line to pay the fine. So, for an 880 mile round trip, $450 fine and court costs, and the indignation of the State allowing such a scam to be operated on its roadways…in fact, this is a Federal Highway…I have decided to return to Mound City and have scheduled a Jury trial for the month of July, including a change of venue…no response from the “Court” as yet. I have requested information from the Court, and sent a copy of the Illinois FOIA. (Freedom Of Information Act) which clearly requires the Court to respond to the 27 questions and measurements that the Police must have followed for this to be a legal arrest. The MVC (Motor Vehicle Code) also states that any information gotten in an arrest that violates the State law, will not be allowed as evidence. If they have figured out a way to get around the Illinois law in this scam-sham then we will appeal to the next higher court, and as far as is necessary to resolve this matter for us, and will provide information as to the resolution for anyone wishing to appeal their fine and arrest, they will be able to follow this procedure.

We are retired, so I have the time. I am a former Police Officer in the State Of Michigan, so I have the experience. And we live on a fixed income so I cannot afford an Attorney, so I will ask that one be appointed should it become necessary. By the way, anyone having taken this or these steps, please post the result of your experience. It will help me prepare for any surprises. The Court date is July 18th in the Mound City Circuit Court building. It will commence at 9:00 am. And, just for the record, my wife was driving, she has been driving for 53 years. She has never been stopped, or given a violation or summons in all those 53 years. If not for my wild child growing up, I wouldn’t have had any violations either. I would appreciate getting any information regarding going into a jury trial.