Dallas Bike Show & Parking Tickets

X-No-archive: yes

As you may remember, a TON of people got parking tickets during this
year's show for parking in an area that wasn't exactly marked "no
parking". I sent off a letter of "appeal" figuring all they could do
is deny it and demand their $30 anyway. I got the response back
yesterday from my letter to the appeals office in Dallas.

Other than clearly stating it was dismissed, the only thing noted for
the reason was:

"Dismissed - Prima Facie Showing - Fails"

Not being a legal beagle, I read this as they failed to show cause (no
"no parking signs") supporting their citation. Perhaps someone will
explain. Bottom line: ZERO due

Imagine the number of people who will just shoot off a check for the
full amount without a second thought. I always think that's what they
hope for. If they ticket 100 people, 85 or more will pay without
question. Nice little chunk of change for 30 minutes worth of work if
you can swing it.

 

I think this is a common tactic, that is, screwing up the date, not
giving the ticket in the first place.

I got a parking ticket at a dog park, for parking on the sidewalk.
Something I'd been doing since the dog park opened. But, signs
had just been installed parallel to the sidewalk, and couldn't be
seen while on the sidewalk.

As I, and you learned, a parking ticket is no ordinary citation.
You must appear at that city hall building on Marilla, and visit
with some city government worker.

Those tickets have some kind of esoteric restriction, where the
appear data must be within half the number of days 'til you next
birthday, subtracted by your current age, and added to by the
day of the month the citation was issued.

The ticket issuing officer/patrol/guard/whatever is responsible for
completing this calculation correctly. Either they misunderstand
the appear date calculation, or an intentional miscalculation will
serve as a warning.

There's just something fishy there....

I rode the train to the MC show, but I did see about a zillion bikes
parked just across the walkway from the entrance. And, that's where
I parked, the few times I'd ridden to the show.

I know it gets crowded, and you can be turned away.

Gary Walker

 

I think you had better get working on that time machine.

Take your time, tho...

 

X-No-archive: yes

Never blow off a citation. Send in a letter to the address given for
appeals. State that you didn't get the ticket in time to appear for
the required date and ask that it be dismissed for erroneous information.

 

I guess, or they'll just send you a letter. Remember, thee are people
that think you're supposed to know what their thinkin'. They have
no specific literal interpretations. I might wait for the letter, and then
fire back a dismissal letter based on the incorrect date. It would be
sufficient grounds for a criminal citation dismissal, cant't hurt.

Gary

 

Yeah, that's probably a much better suggestion, be proactive.

However, if it were me, I send it certified w/receipt. That's just me.

Gary

 

X-No-archive: yes

no doubt. good point. ret recpt is the only way to send legal documents.