I forgot my wallet at a store in Montgomery county Maryland. I panicked and drove back to the store. I turned on my emergency flashers and parked in front of the store (marked as a fire zone). The police officer pulled up right as I was walking in to get my wallet. I turned around, told him that I would move it and he told me to wait until he gave me a $250.00 ticket. Is there any way I can contest this? i.e. trying to prevent a crime, emergency usage etc.
If so, how would I go about doing this? Any helpful links, tutorials, FAQ's would help a lot!
Thanks everyone!
2006-11-30 05:18:37 · 13 answers · asked by arcaemous 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
In some locations, parking tickets aren't handled at all by traffic court. So the "Hope the Officer Doesn't Show" "defence" isn't worth anything. You write a letter with proof and exhibits, the officer may or may not do the same; then your case is decided.
Contact the agency listed on the back of the ticket and ask them how to contest it. They should be able to give you the procedure.
But, bear in mind that a Fire Lane doesn't mean "No parking unless your flashers are on". It means "No Parking unless you're an emergency vehicle responding to an emergency". That said, the officer was kind of a prick in not allowing you to move your car. But, being a prick isn't necessarily illegal....
2006-11-30 15:33:16 · answer #1 · answered by BubbaB 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have parked it in a regular spot. The few seconds extra it would have taken probably would have meant nothing. If you were attending to some kind of medical emergency as a doctor or something, maybe, but a lost wallet? Nope. Around here you have the option of pleading guilty with an explanation. This allows you to explain yourself and the Justice may cut you a break on the size of the fine. But I don't think your excuse (and it is an excuse) will cut it.
2006-11-30 05:23:06 · answer #2 · answered by joeanonymous 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is a chance you can win, but you will spend more time and effort fighting the charge than the $250 is worth. One strategy that used to work is going to your court date and hoping the citing officer is not there. If he is not there then the ticket gets dropped. If he is there, ask for a continuance and repeat the same process.
2006-11-30 05:27:16 · answer #3 · answered by Jeffrey H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Friend - I wish I could ask my friend who is the best at ticket fixing I have ever known. I think the officer was out of line when you offered to immediately move the car. You were obviously distressed at leaving your purse and ANY of us would be. I am assuming no accident was caused or any one other wise hurt. Go to court and tell the judge your story rather than just paying the fine. I hope it goes well for you. GBU
2006-11-30 05:23:36 · answer #4 · answered by Dust in the Wind 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dude thats insane $250. Your state must bank. Talk to a lawyer for some free advice. If not go to court and contest it to the judge. The juge will probably dismiss or lower the amount drastically. Good luck
2006-11-30 05:21:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i could say you're particularly plenty out of luck. the 1st value tag replaced into for the 1st violation, and then an officer spoke of which you have been nevertheless in violation, and issued a 2d value tag. Realistically, 3 hours is a protracted time to be blockading a handicap ramp.
2016-10-13 10:48:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fight it and go to court. First find out when the issuing officer goes on vacation so he doesn't attend the court date. Try it.
2006-11-30 05:31:59 · answer #7 · answered by socal29 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Parking violations are treated in direct contrast with the constitution, ie guilty until proven innocent. You will never beat it. However, depending on the state, you might be able to just ignore it.
2006-11-30 05:20:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
no you blocked access for emergency vehicles you should have to pay
i doubt that you have a lot of compassion but what if you had slipped and hurt yourself - should they have parked the ambulance down the block ?
2006-11-30 05:20:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
just contest it. definitely worth a try.
2006-11-30 05:21:02 · answer #10 · answered by krystal c 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋