PENnED

Yesterday I went to court for a pre-trial. No, I was not charged with some crime like the ones you’ve seen on CSI. It was “just” a misdemeanor—I received a citation for “failing to stop at stop sign.”

The hearing was scheduled at 1:00 p.m. and I was notified that I had to be there 15 minutes before. So I complied. But when I got there, there was this long line of people, I assume fellow traffic “violators.” I was finally called about 45 minutes later.

The deputy judge that handled my case was a young lady, and nice looking—someone that could play the role of a young and attractive lawyer on CSI or another top crime-related TV program. She introduced herself, with a smile, and without asking me any questions about the violation I allegedly committed, she proceeded to offer a deal.

“Here are your options: 1, I can lower your citation to an illegal parking, no traffic violation record, and pay $145.00, or 2, you can go to court, lose more working hours, go into trouble looking for parking, lose the case, and in the end still pay $255.00.”

“But,” I said, “I don’t think I can admit to something I did not commit. I know I stopped. But I guess the police officer (she was a middle-aged woman, or even older) did not see me stop. I stopped behind the crosswalk and there was this huge electrical post that blocked her view.” I was telling the truth but I wasn’t sure if she believed me.

She said, “I understand. But we can do a ‘no contest’ (nolo contendre), which does not mean you admit to it. But it’s up to you. Tell you what, I had the same trouble and I did try to fight my case a few times but did not win any of them.” I guess she believed me but did not believe I could win.

“Well,” I said, “I realize that if I pursued the case, it would be my word against hers. So I guess I’d better take the offer.” Then we shook hands.