Today at a Taco Bell drive-thru I saw a woman give her approximately eight year-old son an empty pack of cigarettes which he then tossed out the car door into the parking lot. Without thinking I exited my car, picked up the cigarette pack, knocked on her car window, opened the door, tossed the cigarettes back into her lap and said, "You dropped something. You know, we all share this town, you don't need to litter. Do you teach that to your kid?" Then I closed her door and got back into my car. I don't know what got into me.
After I left the drive-thru she was waiting for me and she copied down my license plate number.
She looked like the type that would lie in court so I was just wondering what types of charges I can be brought up on considering that I opened her car door. I did see her mouth the word, "What?" when I knocked on the window but this is not an invitation. I imagine she will say that I threatened her.
How should I defend myself?
2007-02-19 06:21:18 · 11 answers · asked by DannyK 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
She is probably so used to just tossing trash out of her car that when you opened her door and confronted her you totally scared her. Until you let her know she was oblivious as to why a stranger was opening her car door. You were threatening and intimidating to her so she returned the favor by letting you sweat it out a little by taking down your license plate number. It appears to have been effective. If she really wanted action she should have called the police then and there but I seriously doubt that she is going to hire an attorney at $200 an hour to represent her in a case that will have no monetary reward for her.
You can call a law office that handles civil matters and ask your question. I would suggest calling a smaller law office because they would be more likely to answer your question over the phone. I don't think you have anything to worry about. Good Luck!!!
2007-02-19 06:55:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's possible she may do something, if she does you should talk to a lawyer. The judge may be just as fed up with all the junk in the streets as you were, because it's atrocious how lazy and inconsiderate some people are,and then to pass than on to their kids is even worse. Next time though you should write down the plate number and if you can maybe get a picture and let her be the one on the defensive and the one who needs to spend money on a lawyer.
2007-02-19 07:24:48 · answer #2 · answered by booboo 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You could be charged with some form of assault for opening the car door and "tossing" the cigarette pack at her. If charged you will need a lawyer.
2007-02-19 06:26:15 · answer #3 · answered by Timothy M 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You were right, and and it sounds like you were civil to her.
But you never know what people will do, next time take the license plate down and report them instead, for littering...although the police probably won't give a toss :(
2007-02-19 06:26:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I hate people like that A$$WIPE, you did the right thing bro I wish there where more people like you in the world. As for charges I would think maybe trespassing or assault IDK Americas law system is so screwed up, be sure to get a lawyer if this happens some people are looking for any reason to sue.
2007-02-19 06:32:25 · answer #5 · answered by Roger J 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
morally you were totally right - legally if she can prove (through cctv) evidence that you approached her car and were seen speaking to her child then legally you might have a problem for it is possible for her to claim what she likes however it will be your word against hers as the childs evidence will be largely discounted for bias and age.
Next time don't get mad but get even. Track down the vechile and wait for the right moment to take revenge.
2007-02-19 06:36:38 · answer #6 · answered by jeff hall 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can be charged with misdemeanor assault. If I were you I would get a lawyer in case she takes you to court and tries to lie. Also, see if there were any witnesses to what happened so that you will have someone to back up your side of the story.
2007-02-19 06:30:23 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Don't worry, you didn't harm anyone and you should crack down on people littering, the nasty matter is that she handed her child a pack of cigarettes.
2007-02-19 06:33:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ugh. You poor thing. She should be the one that gets in trouble for littering... a nice fat ticket might help change her mind on throwing her trash where everyone else has to see it.
2007-02-19 06:32:41 · answer #9 · answered by liebedich85 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't worry about it. To report you she would have to admit to the police that she littered, which is usually a large fine. I doubt she will do anything.
2007-02-19 06:30:20 · answer #10 · answered by dave 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋