Legal Help

[Drowned Rat]

I know there are some pretty sharp iboaters when it comes to legal issues. I have a simple problem. I got a notice in the mail that my car was parked illegally at the airport, it only gives the airport address, not a specific place. And I'm supposed to pay a fine! Okay. I wasn't even at the airport on this day or time, but I was at the airport the following day. I didn't park anywhere except the long term parking for which I paid my bill when I left. I called the number on the "ticket" wanting to contest it and they tell me I have to go to court. Okay, so I ask what I'm specifically being charged with and what evidence they have that it was me. She tells me I have to make MY case in front of the judge. Aren't I entitled to see any evidence they have prior to me going to court? I asked her that and all I got was silence. Apparently she's sending me the citation that was written. Okay here's the kicker. They have my correct license plate number. How did that happen, and how do I defend it? If the officer shows up, it's just my word against his. How do I prove I DIDN'T DO IT?

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: Legal Help

got a receipt?
pay by credit card?
the pay booths have cameras
airline ticket?

 

[JRJ]

Re: Legal Help

Anyone else drive your car?

 

[stevieray]

Re: Legal Help

Or are you missing a tag?

 

[Solittle]

Re: Legal Help

I work at Miami International Airport but that may be of no help in your case. The gal you talked to is probably an administrative type who works for the airport. Her role is to process the paper and not to get involved with any dispute between you and the one who wrote the ticket.

The one who wrote the ticket may have been an airport employee and not a law enforcement type. At MIA our Landside Operations Agents are authorized to write parking tickets.

What I suspect happened is that the cop or agent determined that you were improperly parket and wrote out the ticket. Where he/she screwed up is by putting the wrong date on the ticket. If you dispute the ticket and if you can demonstrate that you were not at the airport the judge or hearing officer will probably find in your favor. I wouldn't enen get into the fact that you were there the following day. The officer must demonstrate that he observed the offense and documented it with the ticket. If the ticket is wrong the charge should be dismissed.

I don't know how it is in Arizona but the "system" here is designed to intimidate you into paying. You may have to appear several times before you actually get to traffic court. Let us know the results.

Also for what it is worth judges are usually sympethetic to those who have a reasonable story,

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Legal Help

Ditto to not mentioning that you were there the following day. It is immaterial to your citation. All you need to have is some kind of convincing evidence that you were somewhere else, with your car, on the day and time of the citation.

"innocent your Honor. On that day I was in possesion of my vehicle and I was no where near the Airport. I was at these places during the day and this specific place around the time of the citation" Period, end of subject. You need to say no more. (of course any physical proof, witness or documentation would be a big plus)

BTW, where were you anyway DR? >o (boy I sure hate these emoticons that do not work, grrrrrrrrr)

Sure be interested in hearing the outcome w/details.

FWIIW, in Washington now the Officer does not show up in court. He simply sends an affidavit stating the case so he cannot be crossexamined.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Legal Help

Thanks for the tip guys. I was planning on showing proof that I flew out on the following day, but I think you guys are right, I'll keep my mouth shut on that one. On the day in question, I was at work. I am a paramedic and I work 24 hours so I guess I just need to figure out how to prove I was at work and that should do it. I have timecards and schedules, but those could be made on any computer. I need more solid proof. Ideas, short of getting my partner to appear with me as a witness? I'd rather not get anyone involved.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Legal Help

Thanks for the tip guys. I was planning on showing proof that I flew out on the following day, but I think you guys are right, I'll keep my mouth shut on that one. On the day in question, I was at work. I am a paramedic and I work 24 hours so I guess I just need to figure out how to prove I was at work and that should do it. I have timecards and schedules, but those could be made on any computer. I need more solid proof. Ideas, short of getting my partner to appear with me as a witness? I'd rather not get anyone involved.

I think a time card is all that would be necessary DR. The Court is not in a position to question officially accepted records. Just give em the record and tell them your car was in the firestation parkinglot with the keys in your pocket.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Legal Help

Okay, I'll give it a shot. It's actually a pretty small fine, but why the heck should I pay it if I didn't do it. I don't have a court date yet, but I'll post the result of the hearing, or whatever you call it, as soon as it's over. Thanks for the advice.

 

[bucky7680]

Re: Legal Help

At LAX (Los Angeles) the traffic cops cruse the long term parking lots looking for any type of violation they can find. They put the tickit on your window and when you get back a week or so later you can't even read te ticket. They like to write tickets for failure to display front licence plates. (Don't ask me how I know this)
It's like shooting fish in a barrel.

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Legal Help

Why not get your partner to write a statement (on company letterhead if possible) that you were with him at time/date cited on ticket. Make sure it includes his name and job title and have it notarized.

I'd have my boss sign & notarize my time cared for that day (even if computer generated) as well.

Finally, a signed & notarized statement from anyone who saw your car in the company parking lot at or near the time of the supposed 'violation'.