For a couple years, spouse and I would go watch the proceedings of our village court that was held on every-other Wednesday. Usually a person is caught in one of the speed traps, so they go to court to pay the fine ($150) and court costs ($105).
But on some occasions, a person is stopped for speeding, who has an open container, drug paraphanilia, maybe some drugs, a suspended license, expired plates, no insurance, and the person rarely has a job. The fines total several thousands of dollars!
The magistrate always tells the person there are 2 options:
1. Go directly to jail
2. Take the necessary steps to first get a valid driver license and return every-other Wednesday to report what steps have been done.
So every person takes the 2nd option!
While some people do take the necessary steps to get a valid driver license and pay the fines, most do nothing. I think the magistrate has 6 months, by law, to see these people to get the valid license and pay fines, before they go off to jail for 3 days.
We have heard all kinds of excuses from these people. A few are valid and are truly unable to get the license and pay the fines. But most just don't have any respect for the laws and do whatever they want. They end up in jail, and after 3 days, they get out and repeat the same offenses which add more and more fines.
I don't have any answers to resolve these problems. It could be the system, or it could be the people. or both.
Edit history
Recommendations
0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):
= new reply since forum marked as read