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Beating the Rap

Number 21695
Subject County Government
Source Register (Des Moines, Iowa)
State IA
Year 2004
Publication Date Feb. 15-17, Nov.
Summary This investigation revealed the corrupt and unfair way that Iowa's county prosecutors handle traffic violations. The reporter found that speeding convictions were often set aside and replaced with fictitious "equipment violations" that brought in more money to the department and let the drivers stay on the road. Some charges were downgraded when the drivers agreed to donate money to local police or local charities. These stories raised many legal and safety issues and prompted radical reform.
Category Contest Finalist
Pages 203
Keywords speeding;drunk driving;DUI;DWI;car insurance;sheriff;county prosecutor;bribery;corruption
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