If you look at 8.01-391, you will see a variety of documents that can constitute a true copy.
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What this means is that if the calibration is a copy of the original, it must be a "true copy." This seems simple enough on its face, but the phrase "true copy" is actually a term of art that is defined by Virginia Code Section 8.01-391. You probably noticed the reference to "true copy" in number 2 above.
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Failure to comply with each of the foregoing requirement means the officer's calibration is not admissible. These are issues that should be examined in every Reckless Driving case. A calibration certificate complies with this code section if: (1) it is an original or "true copy" (see below) (2) it shows when and by whom it was made and (3) the testing certified to was conducted within the 6 months prior to the date of the offense. Virginia Code Section 46.2-882, in part, governs the admissibility of such certificates. Instead, the prosecutor must officer an calibration certificate for a the radar or laser unit used to determine the defendant's speed. While, in theory they could offer the officer's visual estimation of the defendant's speed, this will rarely be enough to sustain the beyond a reasonable doubt burden. Calibration - Statutory Compliance Issues In any case in which speed is at issue, the prosecutor has to offer some proof of the defendant's speed.
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However, I have seen prosecutors, on more than one occasion, forget to establish this fact during trial. Most officers who have been around understand that this must be done. The Radar or Laser Unit Must be Tested to Ensure its Accuracy BOTH before AND After the Officer's Shift There are reported decisions from the Virginia Court of Appeals that absolutely require this be done and that the prosecutor establish this fact during the case in chief.