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

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