The Parking Ticket Fighter: "Mayor Mike and the NYC DOF, stop your 'Hidden Pedestrian Ramp' con game! No one in NYC is stupid enough to believe it isn't just another one of your con games to shakedown innocent drivers."
Mayor Mike's "Hidden Pedestrian Ramp" Con Game Exposed
July 2005 — Arnold Diaz, CBS 2 News, exposed hidden pedestrian ramp ticket traps in his segment "Shame On You: Curb Ramp Ticket Traps?" And inducted City Hall into the CBS 2 News Hall of Shame.
March 2007 — Arnold Diaz, Fox 5 News, exposed the same ticket trap in his segment "Shame, Shame, Shame: Pedestrian Ramps." And inducted City Hall into the Fox 5 News Hall of Shame.
Dec. 2007 — The Parking Ticket Fighter (parkingticketfighter.com). The NYC DOF continues to play the same "Hidden Pedestrian Ramp" con game. Queens resident Barry W. parked his car for 2 days this Christmas week. And, for Christmas, received two tickets for parking in front of a (hidden) pedestrian ramp. $165 X 2 = $330. Another victim of the NYC DOF's "Hidden Pedestrian Ramp" con game.
The Parking Ticket Fighter has declared war on Mayor Mike and the NYC DOF. He has begun a grassroots campaign to finally end the NYC DOF's "Hidden Pedestrian Ramp" con game.
"Stop the Con Game!" Campaign
The Parking Ticket Fighter
parkingticketfighter.com
parkingticketfighter@yahoo.com
(646) 387-8575
Monday, December 31, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Sweet Victory!
As of Dec. 4, 2007, the Parking Ticket Fighter (a.k.a. PTF) has scored 10 wins and 1 loss. Total saved $520. His own tickets that were issued to his Honda Pilot.
On Thurs., Dec. 6, 2007. I received a letter from the NYC Dept. of Finance (a.k.a. Dept. of Fraud), dated Dec. 4, 2007. Not admitting any wrong-doing, of course. Senior ALJ Dianne Pine dismissed two parking tickets. Both of which I had fought at a live hearing (on June 4, 2007) on Staten Island and had been found guilty on both by ALJ Joan Giaccio. Then I had appealed both, but the Appeals Board had upheld both.
According to the letter, senior ALJ Pine read a map (i.e., an "address check") and determined that both tickets should be dismissed. She agreed with me that "1 Richmond Terrace" and "75 Richmond Terrace" are not the same. (Rocket science. Isn't it?)
Which makes me wonder as to why neither of the first three idiot judges could not read a map. Two maps I had printed out from the Google Maps website. One of "1 Richmond Terrace" and another of "75 Richmond Terrace."
How the heck can you be a parking ticket judge and not be able to read a map? Were the first three ALJs non compos mentis (not of sound mind)? Or just doing what they were told to do. Find defendants guilty any which way possible (either by hook or crook).
However, it was even sweeter when I saw that the NYC Dept. of Fraud had refunded both tickets to my credit card. $110.00. (Yo, where's my interest? Damn thieves.) This Mon., Dec. 17, 2007, I saw that it had posted on Wed., Dec. 12, 2007. So, they refunded me in about 5 or 6 business days. Which is sadly, probably, the fastest they could possibly push it through their system.
So, of my own eleven parking tickets that I fought this year. Ten were dismissed, saving me a total of $520. My 11th ticket I'm saving for last. It requires a more complex legal defense. I am 100% committed to getting all my money back. Every hard-earned penny.
PTF: "I guarantee you, amigo."
FYI: If you have a "problem" with the NYC Dept. of Fraud (a.k.a. the NYC Dept. of Finance), mention Fox 5 News reporter John Deutzman.
Fox 5 News Reporter John Deutzman
E-mail: john.deutzman@foxtv.com
Blog: http://community.myfoxny.com/blogs/John_Deutzman
After I had e-mailed Mr. Deutzman, he called me. And we talked shop. I told him that it was most likely me mentioning his name that put the fire under the ass of the NYC Dept. of Fraud. He told me that they hate him. Which worked in my favor.
PTF: "Thank you, John Deutzman. I want them to hate me too."
On Thurs., Dec. 6, 2007. I received a letter from the NYC Dept. of Finance (a.k.a. Dept. of Fraud), dated Dec. 4, 2007. Not admitting any wrong-doing, of course. Senior ALJ Dianne Pine dismissed two parking tickets. Both of which I had fought at a live hearing (on June 4, 2007) on Staten Island and had been found guilty on both by ALJ Joan Giaccio. Then I had appealed both, but the Appeals Board had upheld both.
According to the letter, senior ALJ Pine read a map (i.e., an "address check") and determined that both tickets should be dismissed. She agreed with me that "1 Richmond Terrace" and "75 Richmond Terrace" are not the same. (Rocket science. Isn't it?)
Which makes me wonder as to why neither of the first three idiot judges could not read a map. Two maps I had printed out from the Google Maps website. One of "1 Richmond Terrace" and another of "75 Richmond Terrace."
How the heck can you be a parking ticket judge and not be able to read a map? Were the first three ALJs non compos mentis (not of sound mind)? Or just doing what they were told to do. Find defendants guilty any which way possible (either by hook or crook).
However, it was even sweeter when I saw that the NYC Dept. of Fraud had refunded both tickets to my credit card. $110.00. (Yo, where's my interest? Damn thieves.) This Mon., Dec. 17, 2007, I saw that it had posted on Wed., Dec. 12, 2007. So, they refunded me in about 5 or 6 business days. Which is sadly, probably, the fastest they could possibly push it through their system.
So, of my own eleven parking tickets that I fought this year. Ten were dismissed, saving me a total of $520. My 11th ticket I'm saving for last. It requires a more complex legal defense. I am 100% committed to getting all my money back. Every hard-earned penny.
PTF: "I guarantee you, amigo."
FYI: If you have a "problem" with the NYC Dept. of Fraud (a.k.a. the NYC Dept. of Finance), mention Fox 5 News reporter John Deutzman.
Fox 5 News Reporter John Deutzman
E-mail: john.deutzman@foxtv.com
Blog: http://community.myfoxny.com/blogs/John_Deutzman
After I had e-mailed Mr. Deutzman, he called me. And we talked shop. I told him that it was most likely me mentioning his name that put the fire under the ass of the NYC Dept. of Fraud. He told me that they hate him. Which worked in my favor.
PTF: "Thank you, John Deutzman. I want them to hate me too."
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
2007 S.I. Tix Update
In reverse chronological order, below are parking tickets I've encountered in my usual daily travel. None of the tickets below belong to me. The following victims I only know by their plate numbers, if I took the time to write it down.
Tues., Sept. 4, 2007. Windham Loop, S.I., NYC. A traffic agent fined a sedan $65 for violating code 71. "Standing or parking a vehicle without displaying a current inspection sticker."
Sat., Sept. 1, 2007. Lot A, St. George Ballpark (a.k.a. Richmond County Savings Bank Ballpark). A NYS handicap plate # 564287 was fined $65 for violating code 71. The handicap plate was parked in one of the reserved spaces for the disabled. The inspection sticker was good until the end of Aug. 2007. So, the inspection sticker was one day past its expiration date. One day. I guess City Hall has no mercy for the disabled.
Sat., Sept. 1, 2007. Lot A, St. George Ballpark (a.k.a. Richmond County Savings Bank Ballpark). A van was ticketed twice. One for each plastic covered plate. $65 + $65 = $130. Fine $65, code 74: "Standing or parking a vehicle without properly displaying its current Plates. Proper display means on the outside of the vehicle, conspicuous, securely fastened not more than 48, or less than 12, inches from the ground, clean, not covered by glass or plastic, and unobstructed."
Sat., Aug. 18, 2007. Lot A, St. George Ballpark (a.k.a. Richmond County Savings Bank Ballpark). This victim "improperly displayed reg. sticker." Violated code ??, fined $55. 100% BS ticket, I think.
Sat., Aug. 11, 2007. Lot A, St. George Ballpark (a.k.a. Richmond County Savings Bank Ballpark). A sedan was ticketed for "parked beyond marked space." Violated code 62, "Standing or parking a vehicle beyond markings on the curb or the pavement of a street which designate a parking space ... " Fined $45, $65 in Manhattan, $45 in all the other boroughs. I've seen many cars parked inside the same marked space. Usually, because there were no other spaces to empty.
Mon., July 16, 2007. Shopping parking lot behind the Staten Island Mall. Two victims, both NYS plates, a traffic agent fined each $65 for violating code 71, "expired inspection sticker." First was ticketed at 6:02 pm and the second was ticketed at 6:14 pm.
Warning! After 5pm, day time or night time, weekends, residental or commercial parking areas, none of that matters. If Mayor Mike and his ticket-happy thugs can physically place a ticket on your auto, watch out. Make sure your plates, inspection sticker, and registration sticker are all up to code.
Tues., Sept. 4, 2007. Windham Loop, S.I., NYC. A traffic agent fined a sedan $65 for violating code 71. "Standing or parking a vehicle without displaying a current inspection sticker."
Sat., Sept. 1, 2007. Lot A, St. George Ballpark (a.k.a. Richmond County Savings Bank Ballpark). A NYS handicap plate # 564287 was fined $65 for violating code 71. The handicap plate was parked in one of the reserved spaces for the disabled. The inspection sticker was good until the end of Aug. 2007. So, the inspection sticker was one day past its expiration date. One day. I guess City Hall has no mercy for the disabled.
Sat., Sept. 1, 2007. Lot A, St. George Ballpark (a.k.a. Richmond County Savings Bank Ballpark). A van was ticketed twice. One for each plastic covered plate. $65 + $65 = $130. Fine $65, code 74: "Standing or parking a vehicle without properly displaying its current Plates. Proper display means on the outside of the vehicle, conspicuous, securely fastened not more than 48, or less than 12, inches from the ground, clean, not covered by glass or plastic, and unobstructed."
Sat., Aug. 18, 2007. Lot A, St. George Ballpark (a.k.a. Richmond County Savings Bank Ballpark). This victim "improperly displayed reg. sticker." Violated code ??, fined $55. 100% BS ticket, I think.
Sat., Aug. 11, 2007. Lot A, St. George Ballpark (a.k.a. Richmond County Savings Bank Ballpark). A sedan was ticketed for "parked beyond marked space." Violated code 62, "Standing or parking a vehicle beyond markings on the curb or the pavement of a street which designate a parking space ... " Fined $45, $65 in Manhattan, $45 in all the other boroughs. I've seen many cars parked inside the same marked space. Usually, because there were no other spaces to empty.
Mon., July 16, 2007. Shopping parking lot behind the Staten Island Mall. Two victims, both NYS plates, a traffic agent fined each $65 for violating code 71, "expired inspection sticker." First was ticketed at 6:02 pm and the second was ticketed at 6:14 pm.
Warning! After 5pm, day time or night time, weekends, residental or commercial parking areas, none of that matters. If Mayor Mike and his ticket-happy thugs can physically place a ticket on your auto, watch out. Make sure your plates, inspection sticker, and registration sticker are all up to code.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Memorial Day Tix Surprise
2:30pm. Memorial Day, May 28, 2007. In front of Toys "R" Us, 2795 Richmond Ave. Near the Staten Island Mall.
A woman in her sedan was reading her parking ticket. She had parked in the shopping parking lot. In front of Toys "R" Us. She had went to Best Buy to check out flat screen TVs. Bought a CD. But, when she came back to her sedan, she found a parking ticket waiting for her.
The tix was for an expired inspection sticker. Seven months past, last inspected in 2006. She had no real defense. She thought the inspection sticker was good until 2008. She thought the 2006 on the sticker said 2008.
I advised her to either go online, or by mail, file a defense. "You're an American citizen. You have a right to a hearing. It's written in the U.S. Constitution."
I told her that very likely one of NYC Dept. of Finance's Nazi judges would find her guilty. But, at least, she'll be able to legally push back having to pay it. For about three or four months.
And, usually, the NYC DOF will offer her a reduction. I believe, for a $65 tix, they'll offer to settle out of court for $45. A $20 reduction is not a bad deal.
This is anecdotal evidence to support my claim that more pressure is being put on the police officers posted on Staten Island to fill their quotas. But, instead of en masse, like ninjas.
I've lived near the Staten Island Mall for 22 years. And I've never seen a police officer or a traffic agent write up a ticket inside one of the shopping lots. I've been told it does happen. Even tow aways.
You don't see it. So, you get in the habit of believing it doesn't happen in your neighborhood. Until it happens to you. Of course. Like this lady.
Thank you 122nd precinct!
NYPD 122nd Precinct
2320 Hylan Blvd.
New Dorp, New York. 10306
Tel: (718) 667-2211
A woman in her sedan was reading her parking ticket. She had parked in the shopping parking lot. In front of Toys "R" Us. She had went to Best Buy to check out flat screen TVs. Bought a CD. But, when she came back to her sedan, she found a parking ticket waiting for her.
The tix was for an expired inspection sticker. Seven months past, last inspected in 2006. She had no real defense. She thought the inspection sticker was good until 2008. She thought the 2006 on the sticker said 2008.
I advised her to either go online, or by mail, file a defense. "You're an American citizen. You have a right to a hearing. It's written in the U.S. Constitution."
I told her that very likely one of NYC Dept. of Finance's Nazi judges would find her guilty. But, at least, she'll be able to legally push back having to pay it. For about three or four months.
And, usually, the NYC DOF will offer her a reduction. I believe, for a $65 tix, they'll offer to settle out of court for $45. A $20 reduction is not a bad deal.
This is anecdotal evidence to support my claim that more pressure is being put on the police officers posted on Staten Island to fill their quotas. But, instead of en masse, like ninjas.
I've lived near the Staten Island Mall for 22 years. And I've never seen a police officer or a traffic agent write up a ticket inside one of the shopping lots. I've been told it does happen. Even tow aways.
You don't see it. So, you get in the habit of believing it doesn't happen in your neighborhood. Until it happens to you. Of course. Like this lady.
Thank you 122nd precinct!
NYPD 122nd Precinct
2320 Hylan Blvd.
New Dorp, New York. 10306
Tel: (718) 667-2211
Staten Island Ferry Tix Blitz
6:25AM. Sat., May 26, 2007. Richmond County Bank Ballpark, St. George, Staten Island, NY.
Inside lot A of the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George, three vehicles were ticketed by NYPD. One for a mutilated inspection sticker. The other two for improperly displayed front license plates. One vehicle for using a wire to attach the front plate. The other vehicle had the front plate hanging by one screw only.
Since these three vehicles were parked inside a private parking lot. And not a municipal lot or garage. These tickets are invalid. NYC traffic regulations do not include private parking lots and garages. Therefore, private parking lots and garages are excluded from the "Applicability of Rules" as stated in NYC's traffic rules.
The parking attendant on duty that morning claimed that police officers from, allegedly, the 120th precinct regularly enters the private lot to, allegedly, fill their quota. Since the lot is open access and the parking attendants are too intimidated by the police officers. The attendants do nothing to hinder the officers. The attendants work for Standard Parking, which manages the private parking lots for Richmond County Bank Ballpark.
St. George Ballpark
75 Richmond Terr., S.I., NY
Lic. # 1236246
Office: (718) 273-1072
Parking Lot Manager: Jay, (917) 251-6938
NYPD 120th Precinct
78 Richmond Terrace
St. George, NY 10301
Tel: (718) 876-8500
Community Affairs: (718) 876-8497
Inside lot A of the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George, three vehicles were ticketed by NYPD. One for a mutilated inspection sticker. The other two for improperly displayed front license plates. One vehicle for using a wire to attach the front plate. The other vehicle had the front plate hanging by one screw only.
Since these three vehicles were parked inside a private parking lot. And not a municipal lot or garage. These tickets are invalid. NYC traffic regulations do not include private parking lots and garages. Therefore, private parking lots and garages are excluded from the "Applicability of Rules" as stated in NYC's traffic rules.
The parking attendant on duty that morning claimed that police officers from, allegedly, the 120th precinct regularly enters the private lot to, allegedly, fill their quota. Since the lot is open access and the parking attendants are too intimidated by the police officers. The attendants do nothing to hinder the officers. The attendants work for Standard Parking, which manages the private parking lots for Richmond County Bank Ballpark.
St. George Ballpark
75 Richmond Terr., S.I., NY
Lic. # 1236246
Office: (718) 273-1072
Parking Lot Manager: Jay, (917) 251-6938
NYPD 120th Precinct
78 Richmond Terrace
St. George, NY 10301
Tel: (718) 876-8500
Community Affairs: (718) 876-8497
Sunday, April 29, 2007
The PTF Top Ten List of Nazi Judges
In the 21st century, in the United States of America, in the "City of the World." That is, of course, New York City. I didn't expect to find Nazi judges.
Not the real Nazi judges of WWII Nazi Germany. But modern 21st century Nazi judges.
To paraphrase the writer of "Judging the Judges" (Time, July, 1967), our modern Nazi judges give the NYC Dept. of Finance's acts of extortion their legal veneer. And, paraphrasing the same writer again, ordering the NYC DOF's Nazi judges to view the idea and purposes of the state leadership as primary, and the fate of human beings as secondary.
I grant you that the NYC DOF administrative law judges (i.e., Nazi judges) do not levy unjustifiable death sentences. But I felt a piece of my soul die when I was found guilty by one of the Nazi judges who execute the will of the NYC DOF.
That is why I've decided to expose these modern day Nazi judges. Partly out of revenge. But most importantly to try to honor all those brave men and women who fought the Nazis during WWII.
Because Nazism and Nazi judges didn't disappear forever from the face of the Earth with the world's victory over Nazi Germany. If a judge acts like a Nazi and sounds like a Nazi, then he or she is a Nazi judge. And they must be exposed and be stopped.
Please, learn more about Nazi judges of WWII Nazi Germany. Check out the links below.
Fri., July 14, 1967, Time Archive, "Judging the Judges"
The 1961 Academy Award winning movie Judgment at Nuremberg
The real post-WWII Judges' Trial (the basis for the movie Judgment at Nuremberg)
Currently, my "Top Ten List of Nazi Judges" has only three NYC DOF administrative law judges. Still a work in progress. I apologize for that.
If you would like to nominate a Nazi judge, preferably, one who deals with traffic, red light camera, or parking violations. Please, contact me. E-mail: parkingticketfighter@hotmail.com
Nazi Judge # 1: Administrative Law Judge Code # 1232
This Nazi judge adjudicated my co-worker D's RLC (red light camera) defence, hearing-by-mail, not in-person. ALJ #1232 didn't find D's defence "persuasive" (a very popular word for these Nazi judges). So, he or she found D guilty.
I'm not surprised by that. RLC violations are very difficult to fight. I believe, only .02% of those who fight RLC tickets win.
So, why does this #$%& judge deserve to be my # 1 Nazi judge? Because this Nazi judge wasn't man enough or woman enough to sign or to print out his (or her) name on D's "Notice of Determination." Where there should be a legible signature is a small squiggle. Could be a capital "A"? Who knows?
I mean, this Nazi judge hides behind his (or her) ALJ code #. Shouldn't D, at least, know who his executioner, sorry, judge's name is.
ALJs are public servants. The public has the right to know who these ALJs are. No public servant should ever hide behind a number. No public servant should ever be nameless or faceless.
Am I living in the U.S.A.?
Nazi Judge # 2: ALJ John F. MacKay, Jr.
This Nazi judge found my co-worker D guilty of blocking a hidden pedestrian ramp. A $165 parking ticket. D's online defence was, not surprisingly, not "persuasive." Guilty as charged.
This pedestrian ramp was at the middle of the block. Providing access to disabled persons in wheelchairs. So, they could cross a "Blvd. of Death." Without a crosswalk or a STOP sign or a traffic light.
Turned out that Arnold Diaz in 2005 (when he was with CBS 2, now with Fox 5) did a story about hidden pedestrian ramps. The NYC Dept of Transportation had installed several hidden pedestrian ramps at mid-block at different locations. Generating $165 parking tickets and sometimes also towing away the offending vehicles, a total of $350 for the "guilty" offender.
I guess ALJ John F. MacKay, Jr. sincerely cares about the disabled. He's working hard to make sure that criminals like D don't block this pedestrian ramp that gives the disabled access to a "Blvd. of Death."
Check out D with Arnold Diaz in "Shame, Shame, Shame: Pedestrian Ramps."
Nazi Judge # 3: ALJ Mitchell H. Parnes
This SOB was the same ALJ I had for each of the three Mondays I've fought my 100% bogus parking tickets. He adjudicates at the NYC DOF Staten Island Business Center.
He found me guilty of not parking within the marked parking space in front of the entrance to the S.I. Ferry (on the S.I. side) and of the same violation in front of the 120 NYPD Precinct. $45 + $45 = $90.
At my in-person hearing, I argued, "Why would I illegally park my Honda Pilot in front of the entrance to the S.I. Ferry?" Anyone who is at all familiar with S.I. knows that you would have to be mentally incompetent to do so. Your vehicle would have been towed away.
My Honda Pilot was not towed away. It was parked inside Lot A of the Richmond County Bank Ballpark. Which is next to the S.I. Ferry.
It's a private parking lot. According to my interpretation of the NYC traffic regulations, private parking lots are exempt.
Unfortunately, this private parking lot is open access to persons on foot. Of course, you can't drive in without paying. But anyone can walk in. No one on staff there cares who walks in or drives out.
Then for the other ticket. I argued, "Why would I illegally park my Honda Pilot in front of a police precinct?" And, if I did, the cops would have towed it away. They don't care who I am.
Again, my Honda Pilot was parked inside Lot A of the Richmond County Bank Ballpark. When I allegedly was illegally parked in front of the 120 precinct.
He didn't care what I had to say. I was guilty even before I opened my mouth. All the other ticket fighters were guilty who had ALJ Parnes that Monday. Everyone was, is, will be guilty.
He found me guilty on both. So, I had to pay (you have to pay if you want to appeal). But I appealed to the NYC DOF Appeals Board. And they reversed both these tickets. And eventually the NYC DOF (Dept. of Fraud) charged my credit card back $90.
Even the Nazi judges on the NYC DOF Appeals Board agreed with me.
My definition of a Nazi judge is this SOB. You're guilty no matter what you have to say. Because that's what the state wants you to be. Guilty. Pay your balance off.
The SOB Nazi judges like to write down that your defence was not "persuasive." In other words, you need to show incontrovertible evidence that you were innocent.
The onus is on you to prove that you're not guilty. The NYC DOF and its Nazi judges work on the assumption that you're guilty until proven innocent.
I thought that in the U.S. of America a man or woman was innocent until proven guilty. I guess I'm either naïve or stupid. Or maybe both.
Nazi Judge # 4: N/A
Nazi Judge # 5: N/A
Nazi Judge #6: N/A
Nazi Judge # 7: N/A
Nazi Judge #8: N/A
Nazi Judge #9: N/A
Nazi Judge # 10: N/A
The End
Not the real Nazi judges of WWII Nazi Germany. But modern 21st century Nazi judges.
To paraphrase the writer of "Judging the Judges" (Time, July, 1967), our modern Nazi judges give the NYC Dept. of Finance's acts of extortion their legal veneer. And, paraphrasing the same writer again, ordering the NYC DOF's Nazi judges to view the idea and purposes of the state leadership as primary, and the fate of human beings as secondary.
I grant you that the NYC DOF administrative law judges (i.e., Nazi judges) do not levy unjustifiable death sentences. But I felt a piece of my soul die when I was found guilty by one of the Nazi judges who execute the will of the NYC DOF.
That is why I've decided to expose these modern day Nazi judges. Partly out of revenge. But most importantly to try to honor all those brave men and women who fought the Nazis during WWII.
Because Nazism and Nazi judges didn't disappear forever from the face of the Earth with the world's victory over Nazi Germany. If a judge acts like a Nazi and sounds like a Nazi, then he or she is a Nazi judge. And they must be exposed and be stopped.
Please, learn more about Nazi judges of WWII Nazi Germany. Check out the links below.
Fri., July 14, 1967, Time Archive, "Judging the Judges"
The 1961 Academy Award winning movie Judgment at Nuremberg
The real post-WWII Judges' Trial (the basis for the movie Judgment at Nuremberg)
Currently, my "Top Ten List of Nazi Judges" has only three NYC DOF administrative law judges. Still a work in progress. I apologize for that.
If you would like to nominate a Nazi judge, preferably, one who deals with traffic, red light camera, or parking violations. Please, contact me. E-mail: parkingticketfighter@hotmail.com
Nazi Judge # 1: Administrative Law Judge Code # 1232
This Nazi judge adjudicated my co-worker D's RLC (red light camera) defence, hearing-by-mail, not in-person. ALJ #1232 didn't find D's defence "persuasive" (a very popular word for these Nazi judges). So, he or she found D guilty.
I'm not surprised by that. RLC violations are very difficult to fight. I believe, only .02% of those who fight RLC tickets win.
So, why does this #$%& judge deserve to be my # 1 Nazi judge? Because this Nazi judge wasn't man enough or woman enough to sign or to print out his (or her) name on D's "Notice of Determination." Where there should be a legible signature is a small squiggle. Could be a capital "A"? Who knows?
I mean, this Nazi judge hides behind his (or her) ALJ code #. Shouldn't D, at least, know who his executioner, sorry, judge's name is.
ALJs are public servants. The public has the right to know who these ALJs are. No public servant should ever hide behind a number. No public servant should ever be nameless or faceless.
Am I living in the U.S.A.?
Nazi Judge # 2: ALJ John F. MacKay, Jr.
This Nazi judge found my co-worker D guilty of blocking a hidden pedestrian ramp. A $165 parking ticket. D's online defence was, not surprisingly, not "persuasive." Guilty as charged.
This pedestrian ramp was at the middle of the block. Providing access to disabled persons in wheelchairs. So, they could cross a "Blvd. of Death." Without a crosswalk or a STOP sign or a traffic light.
Turned out that Arnold Diaz in 2005 (when he was with CBS 2, now with Fox 5) did a story about hidden pedestrian ramps. The NYC Dept of Transportation had installed several hidden pedestrian ramps at mid-block at different locations. Generating $165 parking tickets and sometimes also towing away the offending vehicles, a total of $350 for the "guilty" offender.
I guess ALJ John F. MacKay, Jr. sincerely cares about the disabled. He's working hard to make sure that criminals like D don't block this pedestrian ramp that gives the disabled access to a "Blvd. of Death."
Check out D with Arnold Diaz in "Shame, Shame, Shame: Pedestrian Ramps."
Nazi Judge # 3: ALJ Mitchell H. Parnes
This SOB was the same ALJ I had for each of the three Mondays I've fought my 100% bogus parking tickets. He adjudicates at the NYC DOF Staten Island Business Center.
He found me guilty of not parking within the marked parking space in front of the entrance to the S.I. Ferry (on the S.I. side) and of the same violation in front of the 120 NYPD Precinct. $45 + $45 = $90.
At my in-person hearing, I argued, "Why would I illegally park my Honda Pilot in front of the entrance to the S.I. Ferry?" Anyone who is at all familiar with S.I. knows that you would have to be mentally incompetent to do so. Your vehicle would have been towed away.
My Honda Pilot was not towed away. It was parked inside Lot A of the Richmond County Bank Ballpark. Which is next to the S.I. Ferry.
It's a private parking lot. According to my interpretation of the NYC traffic regulations, private parking lots are exempt.
Unfortunately, this private parking lot is open access to persons on foot. Of course, you can't drive in without paying. But anyone can walk in. No one on staff there cares who walks in or drives out.
Then for the other ticket. I argued, "Why would I illegally park my Honda Pilot in front of a police precinct?" And, if I did, the cops would have towed it away. They don't care who I am.
Again, my Honda Pilot was parked inside Lot A of the Richmond County Bank Ballpark. When I allegedly was illegally parked in front of the 120 precinct.
He didn't care what I had to say. I was guilty even before I opened my mouth. All the other ticket fighters were guilty who had ALJ Parnes that Monday. Everyone was, is, will be guilty.
He found me guilty on both. So, I had to pay (you have to pay if you want to appeal). But I appealed to the NYC DOF Appeals Board. And they reversed both these tickets. And eventually the NYC DOF (Dept. of Fraud) charged my credit card back $90.
Even the Nazi judges on the NYC DOF Appeals Board agreed with me.
My definition of a Nazi judge is this SOB. You're guilty no matter what you have to say. Because that's what the state wants you to be. Guilty. Pay your balance off.
The SOB Nazi judges like to write down that your defence was not "persuasive." In other words, you need to show incontrovertible evidence that you were innocent.
The onus is on you to prove that you're not guilty. The NYC DOF and its Nazi judges work on the assumption that you're guilty until proven innocent.
I thought that in the U.S. of America a man or woman was innocent until proven guilty. I guess I'm either naïve or stupid. Or maybe both.
Nazi Judge # 4: N/A
Nazi Judge # 5: N/A
Nazi Judge #6: N/A
Nazi Judge # 7: N/A
Nazi Judge #8: N/A
Nazi Judge #9: N/A
Nazi Judge # 10: N/A
The End
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Pop Quiz Answers
Here are all the answers for my "Pop Quiz: NYC Parking Rules."
1. "No Standing" zone. You can stop to drop off/pick up passengers. As long as you do so expeditiously.
You can't stop to load/unload a package or merchandise at curbside. You can't wait or park.
2. "No Stopping" zone. You can't wait, can't park, can't stop to drop off/pick up passengers or to load/unload a package or merchandise at curbside.
3. "No Parking" zone. You can stop to drop off/pickup passengers. And you can stop to load/unload a package or merchandise at curbside. As long as you do so expeditiously.
You can't wait or park there.
4. Fire hydrants. On either side of one, your car must be more than 15 feet away from it. Even if it is broken.
5. Parking or standing is not allowed in front of a driveway.
6. Parking or standing is not allowed withing 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
7. Parking or standing is not allowed within 30 feet of a traffic light or a "STOP" sign or a "YIELD" sign.
8. Parking or standing is not allowed within 20 feet of a fire station driveway or within 75 feet on the opposite side of the road.
9. Parking or standing is not allowed along a curb that has a pedestrian ramp.
10. Bus stops. Begins at the posted sign and continues in the direction of the arrow to the next posted sign or to the corner of the block. Painted yellow lines or other markings do not indicate where the bus stop starts or ends.
You can stop at a bus stop to drop off/pickup passengers. As long as you do so expeditiously.
Sources: The NYC DOT and the NYS DMV Driver's Manual and "Got Tickets? Your Guide to Parking Ticket Hearings"
1. "No Standing" zone. You can stop to drop off/pick up passengers. As long as you do so expeditiously.
You can't stop to load/unload a package or merchandise at curbside. You can't wait or park.
2. "No Stopping" zone. You can't wait, can't park, can't stop to drop off/pick up passengers or to load/unload a package or merchandise at curbside.
3. "No Parking" zone. You can stop to drop off/pickup passengers. And you can stop to load/unload a package or merchandise at curbside. As long as you do so expeditiously.
You can't wait or park there.
4. Fire hydrants. On either side of one, your car must be more than 15 feet away from it. Even if it is broken.
5. Parking or standing is not allowed in front of a driveway.
6. Parking or standing is not allowed withing 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
7. Parking or standing is not allowed within 30 feet of a traffic light or a "STOP" sign or a "YIELD" sign.
8. Parking or standing is not allowed within 20 feet of a fire station driveway or within 75 feet on the opposite side of the road.
9. Parking or standing is not allowed along a curb that has a pedestrian ramp.
10. Bus stops. Begins at the posted sign and continues in the direction of the arrow to the next posted sign or to the corner of the block. Painted yellow lines or other markings do not indicate where the bus stop starts or ends.
You can stop at a bus stop to drop off/pickup passengers. As long as you do so expeditiously.
Sources: The NYC DOT and the NYS DMV Driver's Manual and "Got Tickets? Your Guide to Parking Ticket Hearings"
Friday, April 20, 2007
4/20/07--Another PTF Record Update
First the bad news.
Today, DA's online hearing for his "double parking" ticket was completed. Not surprisingly, the NYC DOF found him "guilty." So, now he owes the NYC DOF (Dept. of Fraud) $115.
Of course, we're going to appeal it. But he has to pay it to appeal it. (That's not justice.)
Now, the good news.
This evening, I checked my credit cards online. And I was pleasantly surprised to see two $45 credits from the NYC DOF. Eleven days after receiving the letter from the NYC DOF Appeals Board. I was refunded for my two reversed parking tickets. Apparently, happened on 4/11/07.
I still say that the system does not work in NYC. Like in many cities in the USA and in other cities all over the rest of the world.
You have to be a fighter with an indomitable spirit. Alas, most people in NYC are not. 80% pay their parking tickets without fighting, 20% fight the system. Then, out of that 20%, few go to the next and final step, to the NYC DOF Appeals Board.
The hard-earned lesson I learned is that the system (sort of, somewhat) works if you go all the way and appeal each ticket. But, if you don't appeal, then the system does not work. The system works against you.
The way I see it. It's like anything else in life. It's a learning process. I made mistakes. But I learned from them and became a better fighter.
And I felt I accomplished more than saving some money. I fought back and won. I didn't win every battle. But I've become a more powerful person.
Today, DA's online hearing for his "double parking" ticket was completed. Not surprisingly, the NYC DOF found him "guilty." So, now he owes the NYC DOF (Dept. of Fraud) $115.
Of course, we're going to appeal it. But he has to pay it to appeal it. (That's not justice.)
Now, the good news.
This evening, I checked my credit cards online. And I was pleasantly surprised to see two $45 credits from the NYC DOF. Eleven days after receiving the letter from the NYC DOF Appeals Board. I was refunded for my two reversed parking tickets. Apparently, happened on 4/11/07.
I still say that the system does not work in NYC. Like in many cities in the USA and in other cities all over the rest of the world.
You have to be a fighter with an indomitable spirit. Alas, most people in NYC are not. 80% pay their parking tickets without fighting, 20% fight the system. Then, out of that 20%, few go to the next and final step, to the NYC DOF Appeals Board.
The hard-earned lesson I learned is that the system (sort of, somewhat) works if you go all the way and appeal each ticket. But, if you don't appeal, then the system does not work. The system works against you.
The way I see it. It's like anything else in life. It's a learning process. I made mistakes. But I learned from them and became a better fighter.
And I felt I accomplished more than saving some money. I fought back and won. I didn't win every battle. But I've become a more powerful person.
Monday, April 16, 2007
4/16/07--The PTF Record Update
Another PTF battle record update.
Another win for the Parking Ticket Fighter. So, now 8 fought total. 1 lost, 7 won.
This win was not one of my tickets but one of DA's, my co-worker who appeared on Fox 5 News with Arnold Diaz. Not his "hidden pedestrian ramp" ticket but his "expired meter" ticket.
About three months ago, I entered a defense via online hearning (or hearing-by-Web) for DA's "expired meter" ticket. I used the de minimis legal argument described in the book Beat That Parking Ticket by Haskell Nussbaum.
Really, I didn't think that defense would work. I was sure that he would be found guilty. He didn't have anything to explain why he let the meter expire.
All I was trying to do was to postpone his inevitable "guilty" sentence. And him having to pay the ticket within 30 days of his "guilty" verdict.
Last Wed., during the day, that "expired meter" ticket was in the NYC DOF system "Hearing Pending." Then when I looked for it online in the evening. It "Poof!" disappeared. Like magic.
The next day Thurs. I asked DA, "Did you pay it?" Because I had told DA not to pay any of the tickets until the NYC DOF found him "guilty" first. But DA said, "No."
The only logical conclusion would be that the NYC DOF bought my 100% BS defense for DA's "expired meter" ticket. I was pleasantly surprised. So was DA.
Again, that's a total of 8 fought by me. 1 lost, 7 won. Seven were all my tickets. One was DA's "expired meter" ticket.
With 4 more parking tickets pending.
Two tickets are mine. Both have yet to appear in the NYC DOF system. May show up within the next 2 to 3 weeks.
The other 2 are DA's.
One was his "hidden pedestrian ramp" ticket. Which the NYC DOF found him "guilty." Which he paid in full, $195. (You have to pay it to appeal it.) We are now appealing it. We're waiting for the NYC DOF Appeals Board to review our appeal.
And he has a "double parking" ticket. I put in a defense online about three months ago. We're waiting for that to be adjudicated. Currently, it is "Hearing Pending" in the NYC DOF system.
Another win for the Parking Ticket Fighter. So, now 8 fought total. 1 lost, 7 won.
This win was not one of my tickets but one of DA's, my co-worker who appeared on Fox 5 News with Arnold Diaz. Not his "hidden pedestrian ramp" ticket but his "expired meter" ticket.
About three months ago, I entered a defense via online hearning (or hearing-by-Web) for DA's "expired meter" ticket. I used the de minimis legal argument described in the book Beat That Parking Ticket by Haskell Nussbaum.
Really, I didn't think that defense would work. I was sure that he would be found guilty. He didn't have anything to explain why he let the meter expire.
All I was trying to do was to postpone his inevitable "guilty" sentence. And him having to pay the ticket within 30 days of his "guilty" verdict.
Last Wed., during the day, that "expired meter" ticket was in the NYC DOF system "Hearing Pending." Then when I looked for it online in the evening. It "Poof!" disappeared. Like magic.
The next day Thurs. I asked DA, "Did you pay it?" Because I had told DA not to pay any of the tickets until the NYC DOF found him "guilty" first. But DA said, "No."
The only logical conclusion would be that the NYC DOF bought my 100% BS defense for DA's "expired meter" ticket. I was pleasantly surprised. So was DA.
Again, that's a total of 8 fought by me. 1 lost, 7 won. Seven were all my tickets. One was DA's "expired meter" ticket.
With 4 more parking tickets pending.
Two tickets are mine. Both have yet to appear in the NYC DOF system. May show up within the next 2 to 3 weeks.
The other 2 are DA's.
One was his "hidden pedestrian ramp" ticket. Which the NYC DOF found him "guilty." Which he paid in full, $195. (You have to pay it to appeal it.) We are now appealing it. We're waiting for the NYC DOF Appeals Board to review our appeal.
And he has a "double parking" ticket. I put in a defense online about three months ago. We're waiting for that to be adjudicated. Currently, it is "Hearing Pending" in the NYC DOF system.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Pop Quiz: NYC Parking Rules
Sadly, too many NYC drivers are clueless when it comes to NYC parking rules. Probably, that's how Bloomie Hall and Boss Mikey were able to rake in $578 million in 2005 and $557 million in 2004. From parking tickets, 9.5 million in 2005 and 10 million in 2004.
Source: NY1 "NYPD Issued Fewer Parking Tickets In 2005 Than Previous Year"
Too many NYC drivers learn how to park legally in NYC through trial-and-error. Or rather trial-and-ticket. So, how do you rate? Here's a pop quiz. Ready?
1. "No Standing" zone. What can you do in a "No Standing" zone? What can you not do?
2. "No Stopping" zone. What can you do in a "No Stopping" zone? What can you not do?
3. "No Parking" zone. What can you do in a "No Parking" zone? What can you not do?
4. Fire hydrants. How far away does your car have to be from a fire hydrant? What if it's a busted hydrant?
5. Parking or standing is not allowed in front of a ____________ .
6. Parking or standing is not allowed within ______ feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
7. Parking or standing is not allowed within ______ feet of traffic light or "STOP" sign or "YIELD" sign.
8. Parking or standing is not allowed within ______ feet of a fire station driveway or within ______ feet on the opposite side of the road.
9. Parking or standing is not allowed along a curb that has a _____________________ .
10. A bus stop is a "No Standing" zone. Where does this specific "No Standing" zone start and end? Can you in your private vehicle pick up and drop off passengers at a bus stop?
Sources: The NYC DOT and the NYS DMV Driver's Manual and "Got Tickets? Your Guide to Parking Ticket Hearings"
Look for the answers in the next posting.
Source: NY1 "NYPD Issued Fewer Parking Tickets In 2005 Than Previous Year"
Too many NYC drivers learn how to park legally in NYC through trial-and-error. Or rather trial-and-ticket. So, how do you rate? Here's a pop quiz. Ready?
1. "No Standing" zone. What can you do in a "No Standing" zone? What can you not do?
2. "No Stopping" zone. What can you do in a "No Stopping" zone? What can you not do?
3. "No Parking" zone. What can you do in a "No Parking" zone? What can you not do?
4. Fire hydrants. How far away does your car have to be from a fire hydrant? What if it's a busted hydrant?
5. Parking or standing is not allowed in front of a ____________ .
6. Parking or standing is not allowed within ______ feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
7. Parking or standing is not allowed within ______ feet of traffic light or "STOP" sign or "YIELD" sign.
8. Parking or standing is not allowed within ______ feet of a fire station driveway or within ______ feet on the opposite side of the road.
9. Parking or standing is not allowed along a curb that has a _____________________ .
10. A bus stop is a "No Standing" zone. Where does this specific "No Standing" zone start and end? Can you in your private vehicle pick up and drop off passengers at a bus stop?
Sources: The NYC DOT and the NYS DMV Driver's Manual and "Got Tickets? Your Guide to Parking Ticket Hearings"
Look for the answers in the next posting.
4/9/07--The PTF Record Updated
Another PTF battle record update. As of 4/9/07, lost 1, won 6, all 7 fought at in-person hearings.
Today, Mon., April 9, 2007, went back to the Staten Island Business Center for the 3rd time to fight two more of the exact same BS violations. Code 62, parked "beyond marked space."
Both tickets claim my Honda Pilot was parked illegally "in front of 1 Richmond Terrace." That's the entrance to the Staten Island Ferry, on the S.I. side. It's impossible to violate code 62 since there are no markings which indicate where you can park. The entrance to the S.I. Ferry is a "No Parking," "No Standing," "No Stopping" zone. Almost anyone who lives on S.I. would know this.
Anyway, I ended up with the same Nazi parking ticket judge, ALJ Parnes. He dismissed both tickets. He claimed both had illegible plate numbers written on the tickets. Which was true.
However, I think he dismissed both for illegibility because he didn't want to be forced to admit he had made an error in judgement when I was there the first time. The first time I was there he found me guilty of violating code 62 "in front of 1 Richmond Terrace." Which was impossible.
That first "1 Richmond Terrace" ticket I did appeal. And the NYC DOF Appeals Board reversed it. (As of 4/9/07, I still haven't received my refund. Damn it! Give me back my money. You thieves.)
Lesson learned: The due process for parking tickets in NYC "works" if you appeal after you're found guilty. If you do not appeal, then the whole system is 100% setup against you.
The PTF: "Can you say Nazi judge? Nazi Germany?"
See the classic 1961 movie Judgment at Nuremberg starring Spencer Tracy. The movie is about the trial of certain judges who executed Nazi law.
Today, Mon., April 9, 2007, went back to the Staten Island Business Center for the 3rd time to fight two more of the exact same BS violations. Code 62, parked "beyond marked space."
Both tickets claim my Honda Pilot was parked illegally "in front of 1 Richmond Terrace." That's the entrance to the Staten Island Ferry, on the S.I. side. It's impossible to violate code 62 since there are no markings which indicate where you can park. The entrance to the S.I. Ferry is a "No Parking," "No Standing," "No Stopping" zone. Almost anyone who lives on S.I. would know this.
Anyway, I ended up with the same Nazi parking ticket judge, ALJ Parnes. He dismissed both tickets. He claimed both had illegible plate numbers written on the tickets. Which was true.
However, I think he dismissed both for illegibility because he didn't want to be forced to admit he had made an error in judgement when I was there the first time. The first time I was there he found me guilty of violating code 62 "in front of 1 Richmond Terrace." Which was impossible.
That first "1 Richmond Terrace" ticket I did appeal. And the NYC DOF Appeals Board reversed it. (As of 4/9/07, I still haven't received my refund. Damn it! Give me back my money. You thieves.)
Lesson learned: The due process for parking tickets in NYC "works" if you appeal after you're found guilty. If you do not appeal, then the whole system is 100% setup against you.
The PTF: "Can you say Nazi judge? Nazi Germany?"
See the classic 1961 movie Judgment at Nuremberg starring Spencer Tracy. The movie is about the trial of certain judges who executed Nazi law.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
The PTF Battle Record Update
After parking my Honda Pilot in the driveway, guess what was in my mailbox? A letter from the Appeals Unit of the NYC Dept. of Finance.
I had totally forgotten about the appeal I had mailed out on March 12, 2007. Which I received on March 31, 2007. I think, relatively, quick for the government of NYC.
Anyway, the Appeals Unit upheld ticket # 1127301196. But reversed the other two tickets, # 1120906982 & # 1120914980. So, I should eventually be refunded a total of $90 to the same credit card I had used to pay all three tickets. As of 3/31/07, I had not been refunded.
Here's a breakdown of all my tickets that were in the NYC Dept. of Finance's system and that I fought.
Total tickets fought: 5
Total amount if paid without disputing: $275
Total amount dismissed by the summons clerk: $55
Note: The summons clerk is the person you see, after you request to dispute your ticket(s), but before you see the parking ticket judge (i.e., an ALJ or Administrative Law Judge). The summons clerk checks for technical errors and dismisses tickets with technical erros. And offers to settle out of court (i.e., a reduced fine) with you for tickets he or she finds to be technically correctly.
Total tickets judged "not guilty": 1
ALJ Mitchell H. Parnes claimed that the registration expiration date for this one was illegible. Therefore, he dismissed it. Even though the summons clerk found no technical errors for this one. So, what's up with that? I'll explain in a later post.
Total tickets judged "guilty": 3
Total amount for "guilty" tickets: $155
Total tickets appealed: 3
Total tickets the Appeals Board upheld: 1
Total tickets the Appeals Board reversed: 2
Total amount of expected refund: $90
Lost: 1, won: 4
The one I lost on appeal I claim to be a mockery of the law. But, anyway, I am surprised how well I did. For someone who is not a lawyer. By the way, you don't have to be a lawyer. Although a knowledge of the law is a big plus, of course.
Unfortunately. There are two more parking tickets that have yet to show up in the NYC DOF's system. So, the fight, the battle, the war never ends. Stay tuned.
I had totally forgotten about the appeal I had mailed out on March 12, 2007. Which I received on March 31, 2007. I think, relatively, quick for the government of NYC.
Anyway, the Appeals Unit upheld ticket # 1127301196. But reversed the other two tickets, # 1120906982 & # 1120914980. So, I should eventually be refunded a total of $90 to the same credit card I had used to pay all three tickets. As of 3/31/07, I had not been refunded.
Here's a breakdown of all my tickets that were in the NYC Dept. of Finance's system and that I fought.
Total tickets fought: 5
Total amount if paid without disputing: $275
Total amount dismissed by the summons clerk: $55
Note: The summons clerk is the person you see, after you request to dispute your ticket(s), but before you see the parking ticket judge (i.e., an ALJ or Administrative Law Judge). The summons clerk checks for technical errors and dismisses tickets with technical erros. And offers to settle out of court (i.e., a reduced fine) with you for tickets he or she finds to be technically correctly.
Total tickets judged "not guilty": 1
ALJ Mitchell H. Parnes claimed that the registration expiration date for this one was illegible. Therefore, he dismissed it. Even though the summons clerk found no technical errors for this one. So, what's up with that? I'll explain in a later post.
Total tickets judged "guilty": 3
Total amount for "guilty" tickets: $155
Total tickets appealed: 3
Total tickets the Appeals Board upheld: 1
Total tickets the Appeals Board reversed: 2
Total amount of expected refund: $90
Lost: 1, won: 4
The one I lost on appeal I claim to be a mockery of the law. But, anyway, I am surprised how well I did. For someone who is not a lawyer. By the way, you don't have to be a lawyer. Although a knowledge of the law is a big plus, of course.
Unfortunately. There are two more parking tickets that have yet to show up in the NYC DOF's system. So, the fight, the battle, the war never ends. Stay tuned.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
A Tale of Three Tickets, Part III
Finally, after waiting for four weeks, DA's "Hidden Pedestrian Ramp" story aired Tues., March 13, 2007, in the 10pm edition of Fox 5 News.
See DA in "Shame, Shame, Shame: Pedestrian Ramps" by Arnold Diaz, Fox 5 News.
[Technical Note: You need Macromedia Flash Player 8 to play the video. And a broadband connection.]
The "Shame, Shame, Shame" segment was super. I loved it. I was pleasantly surprised by the induction of the NYC Dept. of Transportation into "The Hall of Shame." It was the cherry on top of the sundae.
I'm still puzzled by the NYC DOT's refusal to acknowledge any wrong-doing. And NYC gov.'s refusal to reverse DA's guilty decision. PR-wise, it only makes NYC gov. look like a bunch of thieves and con artists. (Which they are. I and every other NY-er with, at least, half a brain think so.)
The PTF: "Thank you! Arnold Diaz and Fox 5 News."
Sadly, DA was found guilty of "blocking a pedestrian ramp." He consulted with a lawyer friend. And he was advised to pay the $195 balance (the $165 fine plus a $30 penalty). Which he did that same Tues. when his segment aired.
His lawyer friend didn't want NYC gov.'s lawyers to accuse DA of being a scofflaw by DA's refusal to pay it after (an unusually quick) guilty decision. Which would have made DA's planned lawsuit against NYC gov. weaker. (Made sense to me.)
DA's fight against City Hall ain't over by a long shot. To be continued.
See DA in "Shame, Shame, Shame: Pedestrian Ramps" by Arnold Diaz, Fox 5 News.
[Technical Note: You need Macromedia Flash Player 8 to play the video. And a broadband connection.]
The "Shame, Shame, Shame" segment was super. I loved it. I was pleasantly surprised by the induction of the NYC Dept. of Transportation into "The Hall of Shame." It was the cherry on top of the sundae.
I'm still puzzled by the NYC DOT's refusal to acknowledge any wrong-doing. And NYC gov.'s refusal to reverse DA's guilty decision. PR-wise, it only makes NYC gov. look like a bunch of thieves and con artists. (Which they are. I and every other NY-er with, at least, half a brain think so.)
The PTF: "Thank you! Arnold Diaz and Fox 5 News."
Sadly, DA was found guilty of "blocking a pedestrian ramp." He consulted with a lawyer friend. And he was advised to pay the $195 balance (the $165 fine plus a $30 penalty). Which he did that same Tues. when his segment aired.
His lawyer friend didn't want NYC gov.'s lawyers to accuse DA of being a scofflaw by DA's refusal to pay it after (an unusually quick) guilty decision. Which would have made DA's planned lawsuit against NYC gov. weaker. (Made sense to me.)
DA's fight against City Hall ain't over by a long shot. To be continued.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
A Tale of Two Tickets, Part II
Sadly, now "A Tale of Three Tickets, Part II"
DA got another ticket, his third parking ticket, an expired meter ticket.
Now, an update on DA's "hidden pedestrian ramp ticket" segment with Arnold Diaz.
According to an e-mail from AD. DA's hidden ramp story will air on Fox 5 News, Ch. 5, 10PM edition, on Tues., March 13, 2007. Another "Shame Shame Shame" segment with AD.
Hopefully, someone from my day job will be able to tape it for me. I've asked everyone I know from my day job who has cable TV or DirecTV to make a copy for me. I'm poor. I only have free TV at my home.
Also, about four weeks ago, I filled out an online defense for DA's hidden pedestrian ramp ticket. Not surprisingly, some incompetent parking ticket judge quickly found him guilty.
These parking ticket judges don't seem to know how to use Google Maps (maps.google.com) or know how to read a map. Or even have any maps on hand.
Of course, you, the defendant have to do all the work. Take dozens of photos. Photocopy maps. Draw a diagram. And send in a DVD with a DVD-player, of course.
The PTF: "Yo, judge. Learn how to read a $#%&@ map!"
To be continued in "A Tale of Three Tickets, Part III"
DA got another ticket, his third parking ticket, an expired meter ticket.
Now, an update on DA's "hidden pedestrian ramp ticket" segment with Arnold Diaz.
According to an e-mail from AD. DA's hidden ramp story will air on Fox 5 News, Ch. 5, 10PM edition, on Tues., March 13, 2007. Another "Shame Shame Shame" segment with AD.
Hopefully, someone from my day job will be able to tape it for me. I've asked everyone I know from my day job who has cable TV or DirecTV to make a copy for me. I'm poor. I only have free TV at my home.
Also, about four weeks ago, I filled out an online defense for DA's hidden pedestrian ramp ticket. Not surprisingly, some incompetent parking ticket judge quickly found him guilty.
These parking ticket judges don't seem to know how to use Google Maps (maps.google.com) or know how to read a map. Or even have any maps on hand.
Of course, you, the defendant have to do all the work. Take dozens of photos. Photocopy maps. Draw a diagram. And send in a DVD with a DVD-player, of course.
The PTF: "Yo, judge. Learn how to read a $#%&@ map!"
To be continued in "A Tale of Three Tickets, Part III"
Covert Parking Tix Surge on S.I.
About two weeks ago, around 9pm, I was walking from the S.I. Mall to my parent's house on xxxx Loop. When I got to the Loop, I saw a NYPD cruiser ticket a 1950's-style hot rod. Neither officer got out of their cruiser, placed the ticket through their opened car window.
After the cruiser left the loop, I looked at the ticket. Expired inspection sticker. The hot rod's inspection sticker was a few months past. Not odd.
But what was odd was that I saw that cop cruiser in the Loop at all. And the time, late evening, around 9pm. I've lived on xxxx Loop since the mid 80's. I've never seen anyone get a parking ticket in the Loop before. Neither have I or my father. Nor a neighbor before.
I mean that's one of the benefits of living in this mostly white middle-class neighborhood. At least, used to be, anyway. Not having to worry about traffic agents or police officers coming around your neighborhood. Trying to fill their parking ticket quotas for the day.
Then, at my day job, a co-worker who lives on S.I., told me he got a ticket for double parking in his residential area. Happened about 2 months ago. Again, mostly white middle-class. He had double-parked before often. Never got a ticket before.
At least, S.I. residents who live in the mostly white middle-class neighborhoods don't have to deal with daily visits from traffic agents and police. Looking to fill their daily quotas.
I'll take bit-by-bit covert ticketing over daily harassment, any day. I wouldn't want to own a car in any of NYC's low income minority neighborhoods. Or mostly immigrant neighborhoods.
The neighborhood, where my parents' business is located, Bushwick, Brooklyn, is predominantly Hispanic and low-income. There is a constant cat-and-mouse game played by residents and traffic agents and police officers. And, of course, the usual monthly parking tix blitz.
In the last tix blitz, my father got a completely bogus ticket for having a thin plastic frame around his license plate. Allegedly, obscuring his plate number. I didn't know that many of our police officers and traffic agents had such poor eye sight. Any thin plastic frame around any plate completely makes the plate # impossible for them to read.
The PTF: "Eat more carrots! You blind bats."
P.S. A parking tip for my fellow S.I. residents. Take off that frame on your plate. Do it now!
After the cruiser left the loop, I looked at the ticket. Expired inspection sticker. The hot rod's inspection sticker was a few months past. Not odd.
But what was odd was that I saw that cop cruiser in the Loop at all. And the time, late evening, around 9pm. I've lived on xxxx Loop since the mid 80's. I've never seen anyone get a parking ticket in the Loop before. Neither have I or my father. Nor a neighbor before.
I mean that's one of the benefits of living in this mostly white middle-class neighborhood. At least, used to be, anyway. Not having to worry about traffic agents or police officers coming around your neighborhood. Trying to fill their parking ticket quotas for the day.
Then, at my day job, a co-worker who lives on S.I., told me he got a ticket for double parking in his residential area. Happened about 2 months ago. Again, mostly white middle-class. He had double-parked before often. Never got a ticket before.
At least, S.I. residents who live in the mostly white middle-class neighborhoods don't have to deal with daily visits from traffic agents and police. Looking to fill their daily quotas.
I'll take bit-by-bit covert ticketing over daily harassment, any day. I wouldn't want to own a car in any of NYC's low income minority neighborhoods. Or mostly immigrant neighborhoods.
The neighborhood, where my parents' business is located, Bushwick, Brooklyn, is predominantly Hispanic and low-income. There is a constant cat-and-mouse game played by residents and traffic agents and police officers. And, of course, the usual monthly parking tix blitz.
In the last tix blitz, my father got a completely bogus ticket for having a thin plastic frame around his license plate. Allegedly, obscuring his plate number. I didn't know that many of our police officers and traffic agents had such poor eye sight. Any thin plastic frame around any plate completely makes the plate # impossible for them to read.
The PTF: "Eat more carrots! You blind bats."
P.S. A parking tip for my fellow S.I. residents. Take off that frame on your plate. Do it now!
Thursday, February 1, 2007
A Tale of Two Tickets, Part I
A co-worker of mine at my current F/T day job got a $165 parking ticket for blocking a pedestrian ramp in Dec., last year, 2006. Then, in Jan., this year 2007, he got a $115 ticket for double parking.
Lets call him DA, his initials. He originally hails from Haiti. He speaks fluent French and English. But is not familiar with the American legal system. He's a regular working man. Not rich, but not poor either.
But what regular working stiff has $290 to blow on two parking tickets? The $165 fine + a $10 (late response) penalty + the $115 = $290 total.
He wanted to pay them. But didn't have the cash. Therefore, the $10 penalty for the first ticket, the $165 one.
The $165 ticket was for blocking a pedestrian ramp.
On Dec. 18, 2006, at night, he parked his Honda sedan in front of 525 Empire Blvd., Brooklyn. At mid-block, without any crosswalk or a traffic light. Then, in the morning, Dec. 19, 2006, he found a computerized parking ticket under his wiper. For blocking a pedestrian ramp.
But why would the NYC Dept. of Transportation build a pedestrian ramp in the middle of the block without a crosswalk or a stop light? What mom with a baby stroller or a person in a wheelchair would attempt to cross a street at the middle without either a crosswalk or a stop light?
After a search on the Web, the answer was disturbing. (Source: the newspaper of the politics of driving, www.thenewspaper.com) In 2005, Arnold Diaz exposed the creation of hidden ramp ticket traps. The NYC Dept. of Transportation was installing pedestrian ramps in the middle of the block without any paint to mark the ramp. And without painting a crosswalk or installing a stop light.
Innocent drivers couldn't see them. But the traffic agents knew where the hidden ramps were. If you were lucky, you only got a $165 ticket. If you were unlucky, you got a $165 ticket. Plus, your auto was towed away. For which, a $185 tow fee was added to your $165 ticket.
I was angry to realize that DA was a victim of a ticket trap set by the government of NYC. The people we expect to enforce the law. Not abuse the law for its own profit. What the $%#&! is going on here?
So, I e-mailed Arnold Diaz, now at Fox 5 News, about DA's hidden ramp ticket. He responded the same day. After a few days of trying to contact DA. I was able to connect DA with AD.
DA wanted to pay the hidden ramp ticket. But I told him that doing so would mean that he would be admitting guilt. When, in fact, he was obviously not guilty. Only a victim.
Currently, DA is working with AD to tell his story of entrapment. Stay tuned.
To be continuted in "A Tale of Two Tickets, Part II"
Lets call him DA, his initials. He originally hails from Haiti. He speaks fluent French and English. But is not familiar with the American legal system. He's a regular working man. Not rich, but not poor either.
But what regular working stiff has $290 to blow on two parking tickets? The $165 fine + a $10 (late response) penalty + the $115 = $290 total.
He wanted to pay them. But didn't have the cash. Therefore, the $10 penalty for the first ticket, the $165 one.
The $165 ticket was for blocking a pedestrian ramp.
On Dec. 18, 2006, at night, he parked his Honda sedan in front of 525 Empire Blvd., Brooklyn. At mid-block, without any crosswalk or a traffic light. Then, in the morning, Dec. 19, 2006, he found a computerized parking ticket under his wiper. For blocking a pedestrian ramp.
But why would the NYC Dept. of Transportation build a pedestrian ramp in the middle of the block without a crosswalk or a stop light? What mom with a baby stroller or a person in a wheelchair would attempt to cross a street at the middle without either a crosswalk or a stop light?
After a search on the Web, the answer was disturbing. (Source: the newspaper of the politics of driving, www.thenewspaper.com) In 2005, Arnold Diaz exposed the creation of hidden ramp ticket traps. The NYC Dept. of Transportation was installing pedestrian ramps in the middle of the block without any paint to mark the ramp. And without painting a crosswalk or installing a stop light.
Innocent drivers couldn't see them. But the traffic agents knew where the hidden ramps were. If you were lucky, you only got a $165 ticket. If you were unlucky, you got a $165 ticket. Plus, your auto was towed away. For which, a $185 tow fee was added to your $165 ticket.
I was angry to realize that DA was a victim of a ticket trap set by the government of NYC. The people we expect to enforce the law. Not abuse the law for its own profit. What the $%#&! is going on here?
So, I e-mailed Arnold Diaz, now at Fox 5 News, about DA's hidden ramp ticket. He responded the same day. After a few days of trying to contact DA. I was able to connect DA with AD.
DA wanted to pay the hidden ramp ticket. But I told him that doing so would mean that he would be admitting guilt. When, in fact, he was obviously not guilty. Only a victim.
Currently, DA is working with AD to tell his story of entrapment. Stay tuned.
To be continuted in "A Tale of Two Tickets, Part II"
Monday, January 22, 2007
The Ongoing Saga of Ticket # 112730119-6
To recap, parking ticket # 112730119-6 was the 1st of the 4 tickets written up while my Honda Pilot was parked in a private parking lot. Issued on 11/04/2006, for violating code 70. Allegedly, parked in front of XXXX, which is about one block away from where it actually was parked.
I was fined $65. Then penalized $10 for not responding within 30 days of 11/04/06. I would have responded within 30 days, if the ticket was under my wiper. However, no ticket was waiting for me that Sat. I didn't find out until after I got my 2nd and 3rd tickets, both on Sat., 11/11/06. That, to my surprise, I had been issued a ticket on the previous Sat., 11/04/06.
Now, jumping back to today, Mon., 1/22/2007. In the afternoon, I checked my mailbox. And guess what the #@%&!-ers toiling away at the New York City Department of Finance, Adjudication Division, were so very nice to offer me.
They offered to reduce my amount due from $75 to only $43. Wasn't that so very generous of them? A reduction of 43%, $32 off. And I didn't even ask for a reduction.
There is a small catch, of course. If I mail in the reduced amount due, then a Parking Violation Bureau judge will NOT review my case. In other words, implicitly, I'm admitting guilt.
The PTF: "Dear NYC Dept. of Finance: With all due respect, thanks but no thanks. You can take your #$%&! reduction and shove it up your #@&$! Sincerely yours, The Parking Ticket Fighter"
Why am I so angry? Shouldn't I be grateful? Hardly. I mean, they're trying to get me to settle out of court. In other words, it's really all about money. They need money now, ASAP. It's not about justice, guilt or innocence. All NYC gov. gives a $#%! about is my money.
Should I settle? I'd have to be a complete idiot to settle out of court. Because the 2nd of my 4 tickets was for the same code violation, which was dismissed already. A $65 fine reduced to $0. So, I think, I'll take my chances with the PVB judge, again. If the judge rules against me, I'll appeal and ask for deferment of payment.
The PTF: "I go all the way, baby. That's how I roll."
I was fined $65. Then penalized $10 for not responding within 30 days of 11/04/06. I would have responded within 30 days, if the ticket was under my wiper. However, no ticket was waiting for me that Sat. I didn't find out until after I got my 2nd and 3rd tickets, both on Sat., 11/11/06. That, to my surprise, I had been issued a ticket on the previous Sat., 11/04/06.
Now, jumping back to today, Mon., 1/22/2007. In the afternoon, I checked my mailbox. And guess what the #@%&!-ers toiling away at the New York City Department of Finance, Adjudication Division, were so very nice to offer me.
They offered to reduce my amount due from $75 to only $43. Wasn't that so very generous of them? A reduction of 43%, $32 off. And I didn't even ask for a reduction.
There is a small catch, of course. If I mail in the reduced amount due, then a Parking Violation Bureau judge will NOT review my case. In other words, implicitly, I'm admitting guilt.
The PTF: "Dear NYC Dept. of Finance: With all due respect, thanks but no thanks. You can take your #$%&! reduction and shove it up your #@&$! Sincerely yours, The Parking Ticket Fighter"
Why am I so angry? Shouldn't I be grateful? Hardly. I mean, they're trying to get me to settle out of court. In other words, it's really all about money. They need money now, ASAP. It's not about justice, guilt or innocence. All NYC gov. gives a $#%! about is my money.
Should I settle? I'd have to be a complete idiot to settle out of court. Because the 2nd of my 4 tickets was for the same code violation, which was dismissed already. A $65 fine reduced to $0. So, I think, I'll take my chances with the PVB judge, again. If the judge rules against me, I'll appeal and ask for deferment of payment.
The PTF: "I go all the way, baby. That's how I roll."
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Common Misconception #2
Again, there's no particular reasoning behind my numbering of these misconceptions. Read them in any order you want.
Anyway, common misconception #2 is the Average Mindless Brainwashed Drone's ignorant fear of his or her car being towed away for unpaid parking tickets.
Yes, of course, I know NYC regularly tows away cars for unpaid parking tickets. If you flagrantly rip up your parking tickets and refuse to pay, then you shouldn't be surprised when you find your vehicle missing one day.
However, if you plead "not guilty" and decide to fight your ticket(s). Requesting a live hearing or a hearing by web or by snail mail (available in NYC). Then NYC, by law, can't take any actions against you until a judge has heard or read your defense. Of course, assuming you've properly responded to any previous parking tickets.
In the U.S. of A., it's called "due process." Ever heard of "due process"?
You should have learned all about it by junior high school or by, at least, high school. (Should have, but didn't. Or did you forget?)
AMBD: "What the heck is due process? And what does it have to do with parking tickets?"
The PTF: "Well, I'm glad you asked my little AMBD. I'll keep it as simple as possible. I promise."
This is how "due process" works in the City of New York as it pertains to parking tickets.
After you get your parking ticket, you can either check off "guilty" and send in your payment (the loser's choice). Or you can check off "not gulity" and send in your defense (the winner's choice). Or, of course, you can always rip up your ticket(s) and throw them away (the retard's choice).
So, as long as you filled out a "Hearing-by-Web" form or snail-mailed in your defense within 30 days of the day the ticket was issued. The government of NYC cannot tow your car away or take any other actions against you. (Again, assuming, you've properly responded to any previous parking tickets.)
Until you receive a "fair hearing" when you can defend yourself in front of an "impartial" judge (in person or by web or by snail mail). If the PVB judge rules in your favor, your ticket is dismissed. However, if the PVB judge rules against you, then and only then do you have to pay the fine.
After that, you pay. But you can appeal the judge's decision. (That's your God-given American right to. Don't forget it.) And you can ask for a delay of payment because you're indigent (a fancy word for poor). A delay of payment until your appeal is heard by the Appeals Board.
That's how it works in NYC. (For other cities, may vary a little or a lot. Check out your city government's website.)
"Fail to use it; you'll lose it."
--The Parking Ticket Fighter
Web Sources:
Yahoo! Answers: What is meant by due process of the law?
Wikipedia: Due Process
Anyway, common misconception #2 is the Average Mindless Brainwashed Drone's ignorant fear of his or her car being towed away for unpaid parking tickets.
Yes, of course, I know NYC regularly tows away cars for unpaid parking tickets. If you flagrantly rip up your parking tickets and refuse to pay, then you shouldn't be surprised when you find your vehicle missing one day.
However, if you plead "not guilty" and decide to fight your ticket(s). Requesting a live hearing or a hearing by web or by snail mail (available in NYC). Then NYC, by law, can't take any actions against you until a judge has heard or read your defense. Of course, assuming you've properly responded to any previous parking tickets.
In the U.S. of A., it's called "due process." Ever heard of "due process"?
You should have learned all about it by junior high school or by, at least, high school. (Should have, but didn't. Or did you forget?)
AMBD: "What the heck is due process? And what does it have to do with parking tickets?"
The PTF: "Well, I'm glad you asked my little AMBD. I'll keep it as simple as possible. I promise."
This is how "due process" works in the City of New York as it pertains to parking tickets.
After you get your parking ticket, you can either check off "guilty" and send in your payment (the loser's choice). Or you can check off "not gulity" and send in your defense (the winner's choice). Or, of course, you can always rip up your ticket(s) and throw them away (the retard's choice).
So, as long as you filled out a "Hearing-by-Web" form or snail-mailed in your defense within 30 days of the day the ticket was issued. The government of NYC cannot tow your car away or take any other actions against you. (Again, assuming, you've properly responded to any previous parking tickets.)
Until you receive a "fair hearing" when you can defend yourself in front of an "impartial" judge (in person or by web or by snail mail). If the PVB judge rules in your favor, your ticket is dismissed. However, if the PVB judge rules against you, then and only then do you have to pay the fine.
After that, you pay. But you can appeal the judge's decision. (That's your God-given American right to. Don't forget it.) And you can ask for a delay of payment because you're indigent (a fancy word for poor). A delay of payment until your appeal is heard by the Appeals Board.
That's how it works in NYC. (For other cities, may vary a little or a lot. Check out your city government's website.)
"Fail to use it; you'll lose it."
--The Parking Ticket Fighter
Web Sources:
Yahoo! Answers: What is meant by due process of the law?
Wikipedia: Due Process
Common Misconception #1
There's no rhyme or reason to the order I've numbered these misconceptions. At least, as far as I can figure.
So, here's common misconception #1.
Average Mindless Brainwashed Drone: "Don't you have to go to court to fight your ticket? I don't have the time. It's just easier for me to pay it."
The Parking Ticket Figher: "No, fool! It's the 21st century. You live in the city of the world, New York City. If you get a parking ticket here, you can dispute your ticket or tickets by web, by snail mail, or in person at a live hearing."
Of course, which method you choose to dispute your ticket depends on the code you violated and the defense you've crafted. But I'd say that most of the time dispute your ticket or tickets by web or by snail mail.
By mail, if your defense has to be backed up with photocopied documentation and/or photos.
As a side note, concerning photos, do NOT only send in one photo. Take photos of the street, corner to corner. You want the judge to see the whole street. Leave his or her honor without any doubt.
You wouldn't know this. I don't blame you. The Parking Violations Bureau's judges expect you to know this. How you'd know this if you've never fought a parking ticket before is a mystery to me.
If your defense requires a witness or can be strengthened by your persuasive account of what happened that day or night, then ask for a live hearing in court.
I learned all this from Beat That Parking Ticket by ex-PVB judge Haskell Nussbaum. I paid $5.99 to download the e-book version from his website (the link is on the left side of this web page). The most practical knowledge I've ever gotten from a book for only six dollars.
"It's not about losing or winning. It's all about the fight. Losers hate to fight. Winners love to fight."
--The Parking Ticket Fighter
So, here's common misconception #1.
Average Mindless Brainwashed Drone: "Don't you have to go to court to fight your ticket? I don't have the time. It's just easier for me to pay it."
The Parking Ticket Figher: "No, fool! It's the 21st century. You live in the city of the world, New York City. If you get a parking ticket here, you can dispute your ticket or tickets by web, by snail mail, or in person at a live hearing."
Of course, which method you choose to dispute your ticket depends on the code you violated and the defense you've crafted. But I'd say that most of the time dispute your ticket or tickets by web or by snail mail.
By mail, if your defense has to be backed up with photocopied documentation and/or photos.
As a side note, concerning photos, do NOT only send in one photo. Take photos of the street, corner to corner. You want the judge to see the whole street. Leave his or her honor without any doubt.
You wouldn't know this. I don't blame you. The Parking Violations Bureau's judges expect you to know this. How you'd know this if you've never fought a parking ticket before is a mystery to me.
If your defense requires a witness or can be strengthened by your persuasive account of what happened that day or night, then ask for a live hearing in court.
I learned all this from Beat That Parking Ticket by ex-PVB judge Haskell Nussbaum. I paid $5.99 to download the e-book version from his website (the link is on the left side of this web page). The most practical knowledge I've ever gotten from a book for only six dollars.
"It's not about losing or winning. It's all about the fight. Losers hate to fight. Winners love to fight."
--The Parking Ticket Fighter
Friday, January 19, 2007
The Story of Ticket # 112090698-2
I love this beautiful little story of my parking ticket # 112090698-2. Because it has a happy ending.
To make a long boring story a short boring story, I got this ticket Sat., Jan. 6, 2007. For violating traffic code 61. For which I was fined $45. Which I had no $#@&* intention of paying.
I was all set to fight it. If the judge ruled against my claim, I was ready to appeal it. And, if I failed in my attempt to appeal, I was ready to notify all local TV news stations and newspapers of the injustice I had suffered heroically.
But, alas, that was not to be. Because the ticket was filled out by someone who never learned to write properly.
"You see? Public education does work. For me, anyway, in this case. All you public schools keep doing the same damn mediocre job you're so good at. Good job!"
--The Parking Ticket Fighter
My educated guess is that the Parking Violations Bureau's imperfect scanning technology couldn't make out the first letter of my plate number. No plate number, no ticket.
From the day I got it, Sat., Jan. 6, 2007, to today, Fri., Jan. 19, 2007, I checked daily to see if it would finally make its existence known. Of course, I checked online today. Still not in the PVB's database.
Which just goes to show you that you should first see if it's actually in the PVB's system. Instead of sending your payment in ASAP. I don't know any statistics on this. But my guess is that way too many people waste their time and money immediately mailing in their payment. Without even checking to see if their ticket's actually in the PVB's database.
Of course, I don't advocate paying your tickets ASAP. Only pay it, if after having your defense heard, the PVB's judge rules against you. Even after that you should always file a motion to appeal. (Only sounds more complicated than it really is.) It's your American right to fight the ticket and to appeal it if ruled against. That's how it's supposed to work in the USA.
"Damn brainwashed mindless drones! Fight the programming! Does the government of NYC work for you or do you work for it?"
--The Parking Ticket Fighter
To make a long boring story a short boring story, I got this ticket Sat., Jan. 6, 2007. For violating traffic code 61. For which I was fined $45. Which I had no $#@&* intention of paying.
I was all set to fight it. If the judge ruled against my claim, I was ready to appeal it. And, if I failed in my attempt to appeal, I was ready to notify all local TV news stations and newspapers of the injustice I had suffered heroically.
But, alas, that was not to be. Because the ticket was filled out by someone who never learned to write properly.
"You see? Public education does work. For me, anyway, in this case. All you public schools keep doing the same damn mediocre job you're so good at. Good job!"
--The Parking Ticket Fighter
My educated guess is that the Parking Violations Bureau's imperfect scanning technology couldn't make out the first letter of my plate number. No plate number, no ticket.
From the day I got it, Sat., Jan. 6, 2007, to today, Fri., Jan. 19, 2007, I checked daily to see if it would finally make its existence known. Of course, I checked online today. Still not in the PVB's database.
Which just goes to show you that you should first see if it's actually in the PVB's system. Instead of sending your payment in ASAP. I don't know any statistics on this. But my guess is that way too many people waste their time and money immediately mailing in their payment. Without even checking to see if their ticket's actually in the PVB's database.
Of course, I don't advocate paying your tickets ASAP. Only pay it, if after having your defense heard, the PVB's judge rules against you. Even after that you should always file a motion to appeal. (Only sounds more complicated than it really is.) It's your American right to fight the ticket and to appeal it if ruled against. That's how it's supposed to work in the USA.
"Damn brainwashed mindless drones! Fight the programming! Does the government of NYC work for you or do you work for it?"
--The Parking Ticket Fighter
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Long Live the Fighters!
"Fight! Appeal! Publicizie!"
--The Parking Ticket Fighter
"Fight, fight, fight! Never surrender!"
--TheParking Ticket Fighter
Greetings, my fellow fighters. I used to be a typical brainwashed New Yorker. Get ticketed, pay ticket without a fight.
That is until I got four parking tickets, over the course of three months, from Nov. 2006 to Jan. 2007. All four at the same location where my Honda Pilot was inside a private parking lot. You have to pay $7 to park inside. But without any walls or fences to keep out traffic agents or the police.
When I saw those two parking tickets waiting for me under my wiper, something inside me snapped. The main reason I parked inside this private parking lot was to avoid those $#%&! traffic agents. This didn't make any sense to me. "Does not compute! Illogical! Computer shutting down! Crash!"
From that day on, I have dedicated my life to freeing my fellow New Yorkers from their brainwashed, mindless drone existence. I will fight each ticket. I will appeal each ticket. I will publicize each ticket.
I shall fight until my last breath.
--The Parking Ticket Fighter
"Fight, fight, fight! Never surrender!"
--TheParking Ticket Fighter
Greetings, my fellow fighters. I used to be a typical brainwashed New Yorker. Get ticketed, pay ticket without a fight.
That is until I got four parking tickets, over the course of three months, from Nov. 2006 to Jan. 2007. All four at the same location where my Honda Pilot was inside a private parking lot. You have to pay $7 to park inside. But without any walls or fences to keep out traffic agents or the police.
When I saw those two parking tickets waiting for me under my wiper, something inside me snapped. The main reason I parked inside this private parking lot was to avoid those $#%&! traffic agents. This didn't make any sense to me. "Does not compute! Illogical! Computer shutting down! Crash!"
From that day on, I have dedicated my life to freeing my fellow New Yorkers from their brainwashed, mindless drone existence. I will fight each ticket. I will appeal each ticket. I will publicize each ticket.
I shall fight until my last breath.
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