Traffic violation procedures
in Criminal and Misdemeanor Law ·
I really need some advice here
So, back in the summer of 2008, I get pulled over by a cop out in the middle of nowhere near Gary. Standard stuff—"Good afternoon, let's see your papers"—followed by an equipment check and a breathalyzer (hit a 0.0, perfectly clean). I thought, "Alright, we're done here," when suddenly he starts pulling this radar gun down from the roof of his Chevy and proudly shows me 48 miles/h. The limit was 50.
Right then and there, I admit I was doing no more than 40 miles/h.
I didn't sign anything—just took the ticket ($333)—and then I filed an appeal where I simply stated the facts were incorrect —basically, no long-winded explanation or anything!!!
About a month later, I get word that a judge partially upheld my appeal, so now the fine is down to $200. That’s it. Apparently, my trip to court and my reasoning didn't change a single thing about the rest of the ruling.
I haven't paid those $200 because, frankly, I don't feel like I did anything wrong, but now, a year later, I get a letter saying they're going to come after those $200 through collections.
My question is:
Is it actually possible for a judge to just slash a fine down to $200 without any real reasoning, or should she have actually called me in to ask what happened in the first place???
Does it even make sense to fight this injustice now, or should I just pay up and keep my mouth shut in this crazy country?
Thanks
Best,
So, back in the summer of 2008, I get pulled over by a cop out in the middle of nowhere near Gary. Standard stuff—"Good afternoon, let's see your papers"—followed by an equipment check and a breathalyzer (hit a 0.0, perfectly clean). I thought, "Alright, we're done here," when suddenly he starts pulling this radar gun down from the roof of his Chevy and proudly shows me 48 miles/h. The limit was 50.
Right then and there, I admit I was doing no more than 40 miles/h.
I didn't sign anything—just took the ticket ($333)—and then I filed an appeal where I simply stated the facts were incorrect —basically, no long-winded explanation or anything!!!
About a month later, I get word that a judge partially upheld my appeal, so now the fine is down to $200. That’s it. Apparently, my trip to court and my reasoning didn't change a single thing about the rest of the ruling.
I haven't paid those $200 because, frankly, I don't feel like I did anything wrong, but now, a year later, I get a letter saying they're going to come after those $200 through collections.
My question is:
Is it actually possible for a judge to just slash a fine down to $200 without any real reasoning, or should she have actually called me in to ask what happened in the first place???
Does it even make sense to fight this injustice now, or should I just pay up and keep my mouth shut in this crazy country?
Thanks
Best,