The Truth Prevailed

Some may remember my post a few weeks back about getting a speeding ticket in a school zone. I decided to contest the ticket because I didn't know I was in a school zone. Yesterday my day in court arrived. I got there early and stood with my assigned group that included other speeders, DUIs, marijuana possessions, domestic violence offenders and suspended licenses. It was quite a crowd. I casually made an acquaintance with the man sitting next to me-he was another speeder. This was his 7th ticket in the last six years and this time he was sure he could fight it. I brought my poster with me showing I wasn't aware of the school zone because of the route I took.
He was impressed by my work, but felt I didn't have a case because the judges are really tough about speeding in a school zone. I began to question if I really did have a case, but was committed to tell my side.

I waited for over an hour for my turn and there it was-case #West Richland 599632. The judge first read the officer's report and asked for my reply. I said I was a recent resident of the Tri-Cities and had been in this neighborhood only once during school hours. I showed the judge my poster and explained all the pictures. She immediately said the case was dismissed because I was prepared with my defense. The prosecutor also said this school zone has some serious problems with not enough signs noting the school zone.

After the judge said the case was dismissed, I said "Really? I don't have to pay? This is the best day ever." She laughed and said "Welcome to the Tri-Cities."

I have learned my lesson and will never speed in a school zone again, but I was so proud of all the work I did and fighting was definitely worth it.