So I recieved a non-traffic fine around January (no proof of paid fare on the light rail). I was an idiot and didn't take the "pay Metro $75 within 30 days" option. Now I have to either pay $185 or go to court tomorrow. Is it worth it to fight my case? Would the judge be more lenient since it is such a stupid ticket?
You've already admitted you're... sorry, WERE an idiot and didn't pay when you should have or would have fought it. Take it up the booty like a man, and admit you're guilty. Pay for the fine, sir. Do everyone a good favor and don't make the judicial system spend time on your irresponsibility. Fair?
The reason why I didn't take the option was that I am not guilty. I was so pissed that I got the ticket that I refused to fork over the dough and would rather go to court. Fast forward a month, I realize this may not be the best option. I'm just trying to get some advice on where to go from here.
^ Ohhh... well, you never said anything about "you didn't think you were guilty" or about that here: Yeap. Sorry to be so harsh on you, man, but... this way, you learn to fight it on time.
Texas has no state tax. The majority of state revenue comes through fines and fees. You will not win a court case.
You set yourself down this path, you may as well see it through. Go to court and make your argument. If you lose, I doubt the penalty will be any worse than the $185 you're now facing. If you win -- bragging rights.
I'm curious as to how you think you are not guilty if you did not have a ticket. Or did I miss something?
If it doesn't affect your insurance coverage you pay it. That's my rule. Time lost in court is money.
I purposely avoided defending myself to the bbs...you can't win! Basically, it was a super cold and really windy afternoon (http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/KMCJ/2011/1/20/DailyHistory.html?req_city=Houston&req_state=TX&req_statename=Texas), around 4:30 pm I buy my ticket and get on the train in the med center. I get off around 4:45 pm and am ambushed by like 4 metro cops. I search for my ticket and it isn't there. Yeah, I didn't have proof but I know I paid and I believe the weather played a factor in my ticket being misplaced. I figured if people can get speed limit violations waived, why couldn't I succeed?
If you fight it, this would be your only real source of proof other than pleading for mercy. If you used your ATM, your online records should show the purchase also.
Ok, just for reference, I went to court and requested that they reduce the fine. They brought it down to $87, no questions asked. They didn't even ask why! Of course I took the offer but I am left wondering, why even have the option of pleading guilty and paying the full amount???
I had something similar happen once, they dropped my fine but I had to pay $87 for court fees to talk to the judge. My inspection sticker was out by 3 months, I was over seas and forgot about it and came back to the USA and had no idea.
So you were right since the beginning. You were guilty at the time and therefore paid the fine. Oddly, you keep adding more details to the story... but... I guess it's done. Good thing you showed up and faced the music... good for you, no?
Details weren't added, they were revealed! This is why I didn't want to go in front of the clutchfans tribunal. At the end of the day I figured my time was worth significantly more than the $87.
According to your own words, you were absolutely, 100% guilty of this: no proof of paid fare on the light rail I don't see how you can say you were not guilty of the violation.
