Au contrare, it was outside on my lawn waiting to be removed by a friend. Anyway, I was given a ticket for the dumping at the police station, and now the cop called me to let me know that the ticket he issued to me is the wrong one, and if I could stop by the station so he could give me the right one that's a mail in. Is this some kind of scam? Is he allowed to do this? Should I hire a lawyer? Please help! Thanks.
2007-01-15 04:55:26 · 13 answers · asked by Filaxoxo 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
accepting a ticket is not an admission of guilt.
You need to request an appearance before a municipal judge so that you can fight this ticket, explain the circumstances, and request that the judge dismiss the ticket. Information about requesting a hearing should be on the ticket or the issuing officer can explain that to you.
Note, however, that your city may have specific codes that prohibit placing appliances on your lawn, regardless of your reasons for doing so. Just be aware of that. The ticket will show which code you violated. You'll neet to look up the code in your city public library.
2007-01-15 05:03:20 · answer #1 · answered by Jack C 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure you don't need a lawyer for an illegally dumping ticket and it would be a waste of money, the fine if you are convicted of it would be way less than the ticket. The best thing you can do is to go to the police station and pick up the right ticket. It's always important to comply with and cooperate with the police at all times. While you are there nicely ask to find out how you can dispute the ticket. They will either make a court date for you or tell you who to contact to make a court date. When you go to court to dispute the ticket bring either your friend that was going to pick up the washer or a notarized letter from your friend. Respectfully explain to the judge the situation, who it was that was going to pick up the washer, how long it was out there etcetera. The judge will either dismiss the ticket or give you a fine which would equal out to much less than lawyer fees!
2007-01-15 13:07:01 · answer #2 · answered by Question Girl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about hiring a lawyer... I'd check your city/county ordinances. They could be hitting you for an "eyesore" ordinance rather than dumping... though some county ordinances MAY consider it "dumping" even if it IS on your property.
My brother lives in the Sierra foothills, and there are rather strict ordinances (state, county) on what can be dumped, burned, disposed on your own property due to concerns regarding water tables and wells, air quality, and hazards to children.
Example: it IS illegal to have a non-operating refrigerator on the property... freon/coolant hazard and child-safety hazard.
We can burn BRUSH on certain days, but if you get caught burning lumber or paper you get a $250-500 fine.
In MY city, it's illegal to park a boat or RV visible from the street... it is also illegal to perform maintenance on a motor vehicle unless it is inside a garage.
Again.. check your LOCAL ordinances. MANY are on-line... or just visit the local library. Good luck
2007-01-15 13:17:45 · answer #3 · answered by mariner31 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like an awful joke... But Id say hire a lawyer get the new ticket in due time and yes he is a cop he is allowed to do anything above and beyound the law.
2007-01-15 13:04:17 · answer #4 · answered by magpiesmn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you obviously didn't illegally dump the washing machine, it was your washing machine on your property. How long was it there? Many towns have ordinances that prohibit people from leaving things like that out in front of their house for too long. I'm guessing he meant to give you a ticket for that kind of thing instead...its definitely not illegal dumping that you did...but you could have violated an ordinance.
2007-01-15 13:04:58 · answer #5 · answered by Mr.Robot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This sounds fishy to me too, here in smallville PA (not real name) we can put bulk furniture out on the side walk on a designated day after sending $10 to the city and put on the schedule for pick up. Call the municipal office and pretend you need to get rid of the washing machine and ask what you should do. Good Luck.
2007-01-15 13:13:10 · answer #6 · answered by jupitor 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The kind you mail in means he probably has less chance of showing up in court. TOO many rules. Tell Barney Fife you are going to keep the one you have. If what you say is true proves that a lot of cops do not have common sense. In my opinion
2007-01-15 13:04:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your washing machine is an eyesore and should not be out in full view. It should have been kept in the house or garage until your friend came to pick it up. (You never said how long it was outside. If it was 30 minutes, that should be considered.)
You probably have no recourse.
2007-01-15 13:05:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't get the other ticket and take the first ticket to court and state you were cited wrong. Then you will get off for it with no fines.
2007-01-15 13:03:41 · answer #9 · answered by ☆Soon 2 be Mom of 2☆ 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like Mayberry and barney
2007-01-15 13:02:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋