The China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station recently celebrated its 70th anniversary; the massive facility covers 12 percent of California’s airspace.
Perhaps most famous as the birthplace of the Sidewinder air-to-air missile, the Naval Ordnance Test Station first opened in November 1943, as a place for the “research, development and testing of weapons, and having additional function of furnishing primary training in the use of such weapons.” By the beginning of the Cold War, it had developed into one of the leading weapons development and testing locations in the world.
Today, in addition to being an important military facility, the China Lake NAWS is also home to over 340 wildlife species, including several endangered animals, like the desert tortoise and Mojave Tui Chub.
Federal Traffic Ticket
The base has over 2,000 miles of paved and unpaved roads, and as the land is 95 percent undeveloped, it’s easy to speed in the wide open spaces. Although it would make sense for these violations to go to a nearby court in Mono or Inyo County, they are all heard at the federal courthouse in Bakersfield.
Unfortunately, there is more bad news for drivers who receive a traffic ticket on federal property:
- Hearing Dates: Whereas most state court clerks are willing to reschedule court appearances if notified in advance, federal court clerks aren’t nearly as flexible.
- Judges: Most traffic court judges are accustomed to people who represent themselves and aren’t familiar with the procedural rules, but federal judges take these cases very seriously, particularly because most traffic offenses are classified as petty misdemeanors.
In addition to dealing with these un-pleasantries, an attorney can often appear on your behalf, so you can avoid the trip to Bakersfield.
Getting Legal Help
The aggressive lawyers at Bigger & Harman, APC, are committed to giving individuals a voice when dealing with speeding and traffic tickets. Call today at 661-859-1177 or email attorney@markbigger.com to receive the personal professional attention you deserve. En español, llame al 661-376-0214.