I got a parking citation for parking in the wrong direction on the street infront of my house. The fine is only $35. My questions are:
1. If I pay the ticket, does it show on my driving record? And is that bad?
2. If I contest the ticket, what are my odds of winning? (I live in Houston, TX.) Especially if the police do not show up.
3. The ticket says I have a right to an instant hearing. I just show up anytime within 45 days, between 9-7. Is a "hearing" the actual trial, or is it just when they set a date for the trial?
4. How realistic are my views on the law?
a. I'm innocent until proven guilty, and this ticket is just an allegation.
b. The city has the "burden of proof" of proving the parking violation. They must present a case, or else it's thrown out.
c. I have a right to confront my accusers. Therefore if the cop doesn't show up, the case is thrown out.
d. I have a right to remain silent. If the judge asks me for my side of the story, I can refuse.
2007-10-26 19:32:56 · 12 answers · asked by weapons hot 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I got a parking citation for parking in the wrong direction on the street infront of my house. The fine is only $35. My questions are:
1. If I pay the ticket, does it show on my driving record? And is that bad?
In most places parking tickets don't show on your driving record as they are a non demerit offence. The fact that a fine was issued will remain on record however.
2. If I contest the ticket, what are my odds of winning? (I live in Houston, TX.) Especially if the police do not show up.
Probably close to no chance of winning, fact is you were parked illegally. When you loose not only will the ticket cost you 2-6 times as much as the face value you'll also be slugged for costs ... that 35 bucks can easy run to several hundred dollars at the end of the day.
3. The ticket says I have a right to an instant hearing. I just show up anytime within 45 days, between 9-7. Is a "hearing" the actual trial, or is it just when they set a date for the trial?
It normally means you'll be dealt with on the spot, in most countries traffic courts are just a judge, a prosecutor and support staff.
4. How realistic are my views on the law?
Not very realistic at all.
a. I'm innocent until proven guilty, and this ticket is just an allegation.
A or ticket is issued when you are caught breaking the law, the presumption is you are guilty as the citation is for BREAKING the law, you've already been found guilty. Comprende?
b. The city has the "burden of proof" of proving the parking violation. They must present a case, or else it's thrown out.
Not required, the burden of proof that will be placed on you is to deny the allegation under oath and provide a valid exuse as to why you were parked illegally. Some people may have had a valid reason for breaking the law and tha's the reason for allowing an appeal against a ticket, for example, someone parks incorrectly at a hospital or is speeding because they are rushing someone who is legitimately ill to hospital etc.
This is all done under threat of criminal action should you lie or misrepresent facts in court. Perjury is a criminal offense.
c. I have a right to confront my accusers. Therefore if the cop doesn't show up, the case is thrown out.
Not likely, they are more likely to reschedule the case to a time where the cop can be present.
d. I have a right to remain silent. If the judge asks me for my side of the story, I can refuse.
Yes, however you will be found guilty as you are not counter arguing the case and the only evidence given will be that of the ticket and that is suffecient to find you guilty.
Now grow up and pay the fine, it's cheaper and far less hassle.
2007-10-26 19:49:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
City Of Houston Parking Ticket
2016-10-26 10:32:10 · answer #2 · answered by cyree 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Screw that lady! Giving up your rights is growing up? I received a parking ticket for too long in a 2 hour zone. I didnt get a ticket on my windshield, I found out about it when i received the citation in the mail. I wrote to them, requesting a review based on a total lack of evidence. They replied with "you didnt prove it didn't happen". How am I supposed to prove I was not parked there? Im pretty sure I was sitting on my butt watching tv when this happened. They are going to use the fact that my TV can not testify as proof that the ticket was given. Ludicrous. If Congress did actually say that the US government does not need one speck of evidence to get a conviction, they are worse than I thought. The court already has a ridiculous advantage over the individual, no burden of proof means they can do whatever they want, break any law without fear of being caught. FIGHT YOUR CASE!! If only to make sure the government is being responsible. Our government has run amok and traffic and parking are no different. They are merely doing everything in their power to get your money from you. Why should you not do the same for yourself?
2013-09-06 20:24:29 · answer #3 · answered by bill 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all, shame on you for parking in a handicap space. You very well might have caused a disabled person to have to go quite a distance that night, which could have been the source of the citizen complaint. The only way you can contest the citation is if you can prove that you're handicapped. If you're having a problem with the money, speak with the judge and see if he/she can postpone your case for another couple of weeks or possibly set your fine up on payments.
2016-03-13 07:22:00 · answer #4 · answered by Penelope 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
contest parking ticket
2016-02-03 12:14:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no,it won't show up on your driving record,if you contest you have about 10 % chance of winning.maybe but doubtful,the cop/meter maid won't show up.however,at the hearing if you plead not guilty,you'll have a date set.
in the grand scheme of things it's a lot easier to just pay the ticket,it's not an allegation.you parked on the wrong side of street.the city goes by what the cop wrote on the ticket.if you contest you wouldn't want to remain silent.good luck
2007-10-26 19:51:22 · answer #6 · answered by susan e 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are way over-thinking the issue.
No - it won't be on your driving record unless you don't pay it.
It's a PARKING ticket - not a moving violation.
Don't make it more than it is.
Just pay the ticket and park the right damned way next time.
2007-10-26 19:39:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wow and I thought I took panic attacks----just pay the ticket - it's cheaper than therapy which you will need considering the above paranoia.
2007-10-26 19:51:52 · answer #8 · answered by mac 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
For $35 it'd probably be cheaper to just pay the damn ticket.
2007-10-26 19:43:33 · answer #9 · answered by bestonnet_00 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You did something wrong, you got caught. Grow up and pay the ticket.
2007-10-26 19:37:28 · answer #10 · answered by Barry auh2o 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋