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06-13-2011, 07:13 PM
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#1 |
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Puppy Kicker
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Age: 41
Posts: 8,341
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Contesting a parking ticket:
I'm curious if there's a way to contest a parking ticket without actually showing up to court. It's not overly expensive (50 if paid within 30 days, 75 if paid after) but at this point the principle of the ticket bothers me.
Quick background so you understand why I'm angry about it. I have driven by this spot several times during the day to make sure my initial thoughts were correct, and they were. I pulled into a spot on a sidestreet, but it's very close to one of the main arteries in Arlington. My car was parked in a clearly marked spot (white painted brackets on either side of my vehicle) and was equipped with a parking meter for during the week. I came back with a ticket stating that I was within 15 feet of a hydrant. Now, it was close, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and say I WAS within 15 feet of the hydrant. The fact that the county provided me with a clearly marked parking space and a parking meter should alleviate me from the responsibility of being the full 15 feet from a hydrant. I'd love to hear some feedback about how to contest, if it's worth the time/effort, and if you feel as if I'm completely off base with thinking this ticket should be revoked I'd be interested to hear that as well.
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06-13-2011, 07:33 PM
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#2 |
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MVP
Join Date: May 2005
Location: washington, D.C.
Posts: 11,460
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Re: Contesting a parking ticket:
Flip the ticket over, they should give you the option to contest it in writing. It's usually 30 days, depending on the state. I'm assuming you got it in DC or VA? Also, check to see if you can contest it online, but for sure in writing is an option.
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06-13-2011, 07:37 PM
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#3 |
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MVP
Join Date: May 2005
Location: washington, D.C.
Posts: 11,460
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Re: Contesting a parking ticket:
Oh, and it's totally worth it. Generally speaking, if you take the time to contest the fine the judge will will more than likely reduce the fine, if not dismiss it altogether.
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06-13-2011, 08:34 PM
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#4 |
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Contains football related knowledge
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Second Star On The Right
Age: 61
Posts: 10,401
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Re: Contesting a parking ticket:
<Never mind; Edited for stupidity>
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Strap it up, hold onto the ball, and let’s go. |
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06-13-2011, 08:38 PM
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#5 |
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I like big (_|_)s.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Lexington, Virginia
Age: 42
Posts: 19,218
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Re: Contesting a parking ticket:
Don't you still have to pay court costs even if they reduce the fine? It's kind of like you pay the same even if you go to court and use your time.
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06-13-2011, 09:27 PM
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#6 | |
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Most Interesting Man in the World
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Chantilly, VA
Age: 37
Posts: 8,606
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Quote:
I interned for a lawyer that practiced criminal law. He said not contesting traffic violations is a big mistake alot of people make. The other mistake is taking a felony without jail time vs a misdemeanor with jail time. Always take the misdemeanor.
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06-13-2011, 09:32 PM
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#7 |
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\m/
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: NY
Age: 51
Posts: 99,430
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Re: Contesting a parking ticket:
If your record is clean most of the time they'll reduce the ticket whether you contest it or not, as long as you show for court.
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06-13-2011, 09:48 PM
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#8 |
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Puppy Kicker
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Age: 41
Posts: 8,341
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Re: Contesting a parking ticket:
i thought only moving violations caused points to be deducted.
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06-13-2011, 10:01 PM
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#9 | |
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Most Interesting Man in the World
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Chantilly, VA
Age: 37
Posts: 8,606
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Quote:
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Vacancy |
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06-14-2011, 11:43 AM
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#10 |
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Living Legend
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: PA
Age: 45
Posts: 17,460
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Re: Contesting a parking ticket:
Normally, I just say "take responsibility and pay for your actions" but you are clearly in the right here. If they actually painted and metered an illegal spot, that's practically entrapment IF they ticket people for the hydrant law after parking in a clearly-marked space.
Take some pictures if you have not already and mail them back in with the ticket after completing the "not guilty, requesting trial" section. Incredibly stupid move by them if that space is actually in violation of law, but they can't penalize anyone for using it. Watch that space disappear soon.
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06-20-2011, 10:49 PM
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#11 | |
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Living Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: chesapeake, va
Age: 60
Posts: 15,817
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Re: Contesting a parking ticket:
Quote:
This is not correct. A parking ticket is not a moving violation and does not go against your driving, it does not add any points to your driving record, and it has no effect on your insurance. Actually inmsurance companies do not look at your points from DMV they look at your actual driving record and have their own system for charging for violations. Now for your question. If you have to go to court just payn the ticket unless you feel sitting in court for 7 hours is woth it to beat a $50 ticket. |
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