County Traffic Court: TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS -  Trial court’s finding that the speed limit sign was visible despite some paint defacing it was supported by the record. Judgment and sentence affirmed. S. Ayoub v. State, No. CRC 06-17 APANO, (Fla. 6th Cir. App.Ct. November 17, 2006).

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR PINELLAS COUNTY

 

 

STEPHEN AYOUB

 

            Appellant,

 

v.                                                                                                                                                                   Appeal No. CRC 06-17 APANO

      UCN522006AP00017XXXXCR

STATE OF FLORIDA

 

            Appellee.

______________________________/

 

 

Opinion filed _________________.

 

Appeal from a judgment and sentence

entered by the Pinellas County Court

Hearing Officer Carolee Blackmon

 

Stephen Ayoub, Pro Se

 

Robert Gualtieri, Esq.

Attorney for appellee

 

ORDER AND OPINION

 

            THIS MATTER is before the Court on the appellant, Stephen Ayoub’s, appeal from a judgment and sentence entered against him following his conviction for speeding.

After reviewing the briefs and record, this Court affirms the judgment and sentence.

            The appellant claims that the 45 mph speed limit sign was defaced. He argues that this somehow absolves him of any liability for driving 66 mph. The appellant’s argument is completely without merit.

            The trial court found that the sign was legible. This is a factual determination best left to the trial court. See e.g., Bare Necesities, Inc. v. Estrada, 902 So.2d 184 (Fla. 3d DCA 2005). Moreover, even a cursory review of a photocopy of the photograph of the sign shows that the 45 mph limit is clearly legible despite the spray paint going through it. The trial court’s factual decision is supported by the evidence. The defendant had no legal justification to disobey the speed limit sign. Accordingly, the judgment and sentence must be affirmed.

            IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the judgment and sentence is affirmed.

DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers at Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida this ____ day of November, 2006.

 

                                                                        ______________________________

                                                                                    J. Thomas McGrady

                                                                                    Circuit Judge

 

 

 

 

                                                                        ______________________________

                                                                                    R. Timothy Peters

                                                                                    Circuit Judge

 

 

 

                                                                        ______________________________

                                                                                    John A. Schaefer

                                                                                    Circuit Judge

 

 

cc:        Stephen Ayoub

 

            Robert Gualtieri, Esq.