I recently received some traffic tickets.  I plead not guily and
requested that an informal hearing be setup.  I would first like to
know if an officer has the right to use the video tape from his car
camera and the audio tape from his microphone for a civil infraction
in an informal hearing.  And, if so, do I have the right to request
these two pieces of evidence under the freedom of information act and
through a motion of discovery so I can properly defend myself.  I
assume if I can, and these two pieces of evidence are not supplied, I
can request a dismissal.  I am in Michigan by the way.

Hi Sun.  This is a comment and perhaps a pointer for where you might
find an answer.  I am in Alberta, Canada and our law enforcers use
differing technologies here...no video cameras around here yet but
lots of photo radar that we fight about all the time.  Ultimately,
yours is a question of law that should be answered by a lawyer.  It
would be wise for you to invest a bit of time by contacting the
Michigan Bar Association.  Most Bar Assn's have a small referral fee
(Georgia's is $35) and for that, you get a call back from a lawyer who
will give provide an initial consultation via phone.  For more than
that, you'd have to pay more, of course.  The Bar Assn will likely ask
the nature of your question to ensure that a lawyer with the correct
experience will contact you.  Another alternative would be to contact
the Law Department of a university near you.  If they have a law
faculty, they will have a Student Bar Assn...again, a great source of
info for you.  Finally, your local AAA office may have an information
service for traffic tickets.  Good luck, Kevin