i was in a public park in detroit and the police caught me. The said that the park close at dark, but i didn't see no signs about the closing time. what should i say to the judge in court?
2007-01-14 13:20:17 · 5 answers · asked by nikkomcclinton 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
If it actually goes to court, say you did not realize that the ordinance closed the park at sunset.
It really depends on when the police caught you in the park and what you were doing. If it was 3 AM you better have a damn good excuse for being out that late. If it was 8 PM, you shouldn't worry about it much. If you were doing anything else that was illegal, then be thankful they didn't catch you at it.
Chances are, that you will not need to appear in court for just that. Pay the fine and the matter will be dropped. If you do go to court, suggest that there should be a consistant closing time (say 9 or 10 PM) and not one dependant on the length of the day. Also point out the lack of adequate signage to notify you of the park's hours.
2007-01-14 13:35:48 · answer #1 · answered by Kevin k 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be honest - tell the Judge that you are sincerely sorry for your ignorance and that this will not happen again. Make sure your all around appearance is neat and clean. Good attitude is a must. Use "Yes, your honor" when spoken to. Use "Yes sir/mam" when spoken to by others. Make sure that it is obvious that you have a respect for the law. If you endeavor to defend yourself against a known civil rule you will probably only hear "ignorance of the law is no excuse" - even if something like that happens, don't allow yourself to become aggravated on the outside - remain humble in demeanor. If you get fined, remember it is only a civil infraction - leave the courtroom with the judge's decision graciously. If you have been in trouble with the law before and the judges decision may bring a heavier sentence because of this infraction, get a lawyer if you can or know how to. Above all, please listen to this. Sometimes the Lord uses various means to call people to Himself - do you know Christ as your Saviour? If so, pray!! If not, then you have two things to pray for. I wish you the best in the outcome.
2007-01-14 13:38:16 · answer #2 · answered by Benny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will tell you ignorance of the law is not an excuse. But the same happened to me one time. I pulled over for a minute because I was waitin on a friend, and I happened to pull over in what I thought was a church parking lot. There were no signs stating it was a park, and nothing about the rules, and a cop rolled up and gave me a $25 ticket.
It depends on what you were doing in there... If you weren't doing anything wrong just tell him you were bored and tell him exactly everything you did... not like it matters, you'll still probably get the ticket. But it's not big deal, when you turn 18 its pretty much off your record and its a misdemeanor anyways.
2007-01-14 13:29:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well it dosent really matter what you say to the judge other than that (I didnt see the signs SORRY yer honour.. my bad....) Its a minor thing (infraction) Really? Plead guilty ( you did it.. you already said so) and pay the fine... (or depending on yer judge he just may suspend sentance with non reporting probation and no fine) Not biggie really.. That violation is different from city to city as its a city ordinance... I dont know yer specific city... but its a minor infraction.. at worst its like getting a parking ticket (dont worry yer not going to Juvi.. well unless you have a buncha priors)
2007-01-14 13:34:56 · answer #4 · answered by darchangel_3 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Community work.
2007-01-14 13:27:35 · answer #5 · answered by robert m 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋