Remember when I got pulled over for an expired registration and inspection back in March? Well, today was my day in court. What an experience that was! My ticket said to be there by 9:00 AM, but I ended up getting there around 8:40 because I didn't want to be late. There was already a line forming outside of the courthouse, but I lucked out in that I was very close to the spot where the sheriff instructed us to line up so I ended up being second in line. Sweet! That is, until he told us all that if we had a cellphone or any other electronic device that we had to return them to our cars because we could absolutely not bring them in the courtroom, even if they were turned off.
I was the only person to step out of line. I was thinking, "Are you kidding me? Either these people have all been here before and know the rules or they're all lying!" Either or, both reasons would be cause for concern! By the time I got back from my car, I had to get at the end of the line, which was about 40 people deep. The sheriff came back outside again and gave us another reminder about the cellphones and then added that no large bags or weapons are allowed in the courtroom either. It just so happened that I was carrying my huge bag with me because I was going to work right after court. I decided to take my chances and stay in line because the line was getting longer and longer.
When I finally got into the courtroom, I was met with yet another line. This one was for a chance to meet with the city attorney before the trials got started. Generally, it's for people who have a good shot at winning their case and they can either get all charges dropped or get their fines reduced if their case is strong. Seeing as how I renewed my registration and inspection the week after I got pulled over, I figured I had a pretty good shot so I got in that line. After waiting for about a half hour, I was finally the next person in line to meet with the attorney. Wouldn't you know that it was at that time that the sheriff decided to send everyone to their seats because court was about to start? Oh, I was so pissed off.
So I got to wait for another 45 minutes, listening to other people's case, silently wishing for them to call my name so I could hurry up and get back to work. Finally it was my turn. The judge called my name and I quickly walked up to the front of the courtroom. He asked if I had resolved the registration and inspection issues and I told him that yes, I had. He told me to show my proof to the officer (the one who pulled me over!) and once it was determined that I did indeed resolve the issues, he told me that all charges were dismissed and I was free to go!! Hooray! Now I'm so happy that I decided to go to court rather than just paying the fines because that saved me $125!! Woo-hoo!!
And you wouldn't believe the cast of characters I saw while I was there:
- The young guy who was charged with possession of marijuana who ironically wore a marijuana-themed tee-shirt to court!
- The lady who brought her infant (who later cried), mother and husband to court with her. Umm, wouldn't you think that she would leave either the mother or husband at home with the baby?
- The guy in the orange prison jump suit who was led into court in shackles. No idea what he did, but he had those wild Charles Manson eyes and kind of creeped me out.
- The old guy who was charged with disorderly conduct and was ordered not to get within 50 yards (or something) of a local bank. Lord, don't I wish I knew what he did!
- The 50 or so people who showed up to court in sweatpants. SWEATPANTS. Really??
- The guy who was called before me with the exact same charge but who didn't rectify the issue. Are you serious?? Why even show up? Needless to say, he was fined the full amount.
Those are just few of many, many characters. I swear, it's no wonder they let me off. I was one of about 3 people who wore appropriate courtroom attire. The judge was probably just happy with the fact that I showed up decently dressed and called him your honor!
