Yesterday I got a ticket for supposedly having part of my car in the "handicap hatch cross". The "cross hatch" is the blue grid the extends out from a handicap spot. I took photos of my car, clearly showing it not touching any of the blue whatsoever. I've contacted the city of LA Parking Bureau asking to directly meet with someone and show them the proof, email someone, etc. They've told me that if I want to contest my ticket I have to FIRST PAY THE TICKET before they'll even consider doing a "hearing" for my case. I think the majority of people will agree with me that paying the ticket before anything is determined is practically admitting guilt. I asked a supervisor to read me the code telling WHY this is required and all she could find is some code saying "before a hearing payment is required" completely not addressing WHY this is necessary.
Is there anyway to have someone look at my proof of innocence without having to pay the fine first? Also is what they're doing legal?
2007-11-02 07:50:40 · 5 answers · asked by justmovedtola2004 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It is legal. Basically, it's considered to be like posting bail. You put up the money to give you the added incentive of showing up for the trial you are requesting. If you don't show, they keep the money. If you do, and you win your case, you get it back.
As for proving your case, your photos will not mean much, since you could have easily moved the car before taking them. If you have other independent proof of your case, such as witnesses who saw your car parked legally at the time the ticket was issued, better be sure it/they are in court with you.
2007-11-02 08:07:14 · answer #1 · answered by raichasays 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not know about the city of LA, but I do know that some nearby cities like Burbank and Glendale do not directly employ parking control officers, but contract out to private companies. This produces a de-facto quota system for parking violations since the companies need to report stromg profits to stockholders. Violations of due process are, unfortunatly the norm. If your side mirror encroached 1 mm into the airspace above the blue hatched zone (an 8' wide x 18' deep area to the right of the 9' wide handicaped parking spot, as viewed from a vehicle heading into the space.), you're out of luck
Brave new world (order).
2007-11-02 08:00:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it is legal. Now, you have to pay the fine before contesting. It's not admitting guilt, only that you got the ticket.
2007-11-02 07:56:23 · answer #3 · answered by Gretl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's required, and no, it's not admitting guilt.
Look at it this way; it's easier for them to refund the money to you if it's contested successfully than it would be to try to get the money from you if it isn't.
2007-11-02 07:59:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Paying a ticket before the hearing is no more pleading guilty than is posting bond before a criminal trial.
2007-11-02 07:54:54 · answer #5 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋