Atlanta, GA asked in Traffic Tickets for Georgia

Q: Is there any way to get a copy of the dashcam and bodycam videos associated with my citations before my arraignment?

Is there any way to get a copy of the dashcam and bodycam videos associated with my citations before my arraignment? I asked the officer who cited me if he had dashcam video, and he did. I was able to view the dashcam video at that time and believe it is exculpatory. He told me to file an ORR (Open Records Request) with the City of Atlanta, but they found no matching records when I submitted an ORR. I also believe the bodycam footage of the incident will capture the officer stating he didn't (and couldn't) see what he cited me for. I did not do what he cited me for, and honestly, the statute doesn't even seem to apply to making a (legal) left turn. Any suggestion for how to proceed?

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: You will normally get this through the traditional discovery process. This would be done by filing a motion with the court and serving the solicitor. While the timing doesn't guarantee you will receive it before Arraignment, the court understands that you likely don't yet have access to the evidence yet.

Aside from the discovery process, the ORR process is very helpful and City of Atlanta generally is good about ORRs. However, it seems like you have tried this route.

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