Back in May, I was running 43 in a 25 within Atlanta. The cop didn't care I was showing him a bag full of narcotics I was delivering to a hospice center.
The ticket was going to cost me $196. But, it had been two years since I'd had a ticket. I'd gone through a period where I got quite a few, part of the risk if you're going to be a courier worth a pile of spent lead shot. I wanted three, full years without a ticket so I'd have better luck switching back to a consumer policy in the near future.
I decided to fight it. I kept the paperwork, clearly showing Schedule II narcotics, chief among them... morphine! Fortunately, my drug of choice is still Tums.
First appearance is only an arraignment. I go to court, ask the city attorney to understand the circumstance and allow dismissal. Nope. Too much history. He wasn't a young guy. I have to wonder about an apparent seasoned lawyer who works for the city. Either he gets paid dang good with an easy schedule or he's worthless in the private sector. Sorry, but my questioning for government employees has few boundaries.
It's reset for "trial." I accept a bench trial as I feel confident in my abilities to convince a reasonable judge. Besides, a jury trial would be sent up to state court... things get tougher and more formal there. And, even staff attorneys are no slouches as I've learned. Most judges are pretty picky who they accept on staff. We won't even get into the battle with the county DA's office rather than a slinky city attorney.
While there, I hear the municipal judge's statement of rights in her court. She also explains the fine structure. If you get a $100 fine, there will be additional cost of $58; effectively, a 58% surcharge on all fines. That made some violations pretty dang pricey. But, if you had an FTA, it was a freebie on the additional costs; just a flat $100 and on your MVR record, an FTA for traffic offense. Nice touch for future judges to see! Oh, the "additional cost" are "beyond the court's control."
I wonder who gets all that money? I'm sure the city gets some for the court operation. Either way, it's some pretty dang good revenue. It sure explains why the new city of Sandy Springs has cops down on the interstate. I'm of the opinion city cops should patrol city streets short of an emergency response on the interstate. Leave the interstates to the state patrol, sheriff and county police.
Two weeks later, I show up. I see the same city attorney. The cop is supposed to be there. He's not. "We're trying to reach him now.", the attorney tells me. I sit and watch the judge pass it down to others with various fines. It's amazing how many show up in court without the ability to pay a $200 fine. So, they get put on probation until it's paid... and an extra $30 per month until done so.
Oh, and the judge tacks on "Six months confinement" should you decide to leave the courthouse before stopping at the clerks office to pay the fine. Suddenly, an FTA seems like the least of your problems. The confinement is automatically excused as soon as you pay, presumably moments later a few floors down.
My two hours on the parking meter are nearly up; about twenty minutes to go. Oddly, the commercial permit I paid the city for is not valid at the electronic meters around the city courthouse. Still no cop in my case.
Also, no cop in another guy's case for suspended license and no proof of insurance. He had a suspended license from Kentucky and was stopped in Jawjuh. His license had since been reinstated in Kentucky and he applied for and received a Jawjuh license. He had obtained a new policy paid for a year. Total fines were going to be near $700.
The attorney offered to drop the driving under suspension charge if he plead on the no proof. Sure, go for the one with the long-term hooks. I vaguely recall something like a fourth no-proof charge is automatically a felony. But, to convict on trial, gotta have the issuing officer appear! He wasn't to be found. Nor was mine.
Finally, the judge calls my name. She informs me the charge is summarily dismissed; I'm free to go. Yesss! No charge, no fine... and no record!
As I was about to walk on the elevator, the other guy walks out. Both charges were dismissed. I congratulated him on the "win." I then said something to the effect of, "At least you've got your license, I hope things work out. And you've got insurance so keep it in force. There's a reason why I pay $2800 a year for a commercial policy as a courier."
I walk out, get in a hot car and drive off as I see a meter maid roaming for victims and my meter ticket showing under ten minutes left; another city scam as far as I'm concerned.
