Trooper Paul C. Lawence has been accused of attempting to artificially increase the number of citations issued to his credit by issuing several hundred bogus tickets. Lawrence, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper based in South Florida has been arrested on charges of official misconduct, after authorities said he wrote hundreds of fake citations to drivers. The official esimate is more than 200 traffic tickets have been issued since November have been by Lewis. South Florida Courts have been dismissing these tickets but believe there may be more.
Authorities grew suspicious when the ticketed motorists began complaining they knew nothing about the citations. Prosecutors said Lawrence had used information from drivers he previously stopped to draft new tickets. Believing there may be more victims, FHP has created a hotline. Those who believe they received a false citation from Lawrence can call 305-470-2525.
It has long been speculated that law enforcement agencies have monthy and annual “ticket quotas”. A spokesman for the FHP said they don’t operate on a quota system.
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Orlando or are facing criminal prosecution in either Orange County, Seminole County, Florida, contact the experienced attorneys at TILDEN LAW for a free initial and confidential consultation, 407-599-1234.