Edge City by Terry and Patty LaBan for September 25, 2023

Ironic if she gets a ticket on her way home!

So she’s out $20 for nothing.

Thank the judge and beat feet!

Called it yesterday! :)

‘But… I didn’t get to make my big speach… while strutting about the room… and quoting some obscure trope I spent last night memorizing (but not understanding).’

What is the sense of winning the war if you did not get to fight? (In court folks) Where is the fun in that?

Welcome to Boston. Massachusetts law says that the ticket itself is evidence. That means you are presumed guilty because there is a piece of paper saying so. The magistrate will usually find you guilty on this basis no matter what you say. You have the right to appeal the magistrate’s decision to a judge. In theory the same rules of evidence apply, but the judge will often find you not responsible if the police officer doesn’t show up.

I did that… but the added court costs were almost as much as the dismissed ticket charge. The only advantage for spending the day in court was that I didn’t get points on my license.

If police officers are going to hand out tickets for traffic violations and then not bother showing up in court, why bother? Aren’t there better ways of using their time? (non-driver here)

Say “Thank You” and STFU.

I contested a ticket and the cop did she up. But when the prosecutor asked the officer to point out the perp (me) she pointed to someone in the back of the room. I was maybe 5 feet from her. Judge: “Oh for crying out loud!!!! CASE DISMISSED!!!” Bang went the gavel

Pretty much de facto for minor traffic offenses