Contesting a parking ticket
Has anyone here contested a parking ticket in person? I need to get in there and argue my case, but my friend said to never use the online or mail-in options bc you don't receive a decision for 3 months. I'd just like to know what to expect when I go in for the hearing...
- Is it in a courtroom?
How long will I be waiting to be heard?
How long does the deliberation take?
Do I have to say "your honor?"
Comments
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Subject: Re: Contesting a parking ticket
8thandPrez wrote: Has anyone here contested a parking ticket in person? I need to get in there and argue my case, but my friend said to never use the online or mail-in options bc you don't receive a decision for 3 months. I'd just like to know what to expect when I go in for the hearing...
I usually go to the one near my job (John Street) and you check in, they give you a number and you wait for the number to be called. If you get there first thing in the morning your wait is usually 15-60 minutes. They take you into a room where the hearing officer and you sit at a table across from each other and they record the testimony. There is no deliberation because the person gives you your descision right away. I have fought 3 tickets - 2 were dismissed and the last, for double parking was reduced from $55 to $25. Remember to bring all your proof with you.- Is it in a courtroom?
How long will I be waiting to be heard?
How long does the deliberation take?
Do I have to say "your honor?"
Good luck! - Is it in a courtroom?
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Subject: Re: Contesting a parking ticket
8thandPrez wrote: Has anyone here contested a parking ticket in person? I need to get in there and argue my case, but my friend said to never use the online or mail-in options bc you don't receive a decision for 3 months. I'd just like to know what to expect when I go in for the hearing...
I've done it several times in the Bronx, about 8 years ago (which was the last time I had a car). I think Stacey answered most of your questions. You may be waiting for a few hours to be put into a room, and then another 30-60 minutes to have your case heard. Your case shouldn't take more than a few minutes, and the decision is immediate. Bring lots of supporting evidence if you have it (photos of the spot, etc.), even if it's technically irrelevant. Be super respectful, and say "your honor." In general, these judges are on your side. I've had one ticket dismissed because the check mark wasn't really quite inside the box on the ticket that specified what type of car it was. I once had 3 expired inspection sticker tickets ($55 each) knocked down to a total of $25. Also, you'll be in a little room with a few other people who are also contesting tickets, so you'll get to see those cases too (at least that's how it worked in the Bronx). I saw a guy in front of me have his parking in the crosswalk ticket dismissed because he was "only about 12 inches into the crosswalk," which technically means the ticket was valid. I saw another guy have his double parking ticket dismissed because he was "only running into the grocery store" and was "only there for less than 5 minutes." Hard to believe! I hope for your sake that the Brooklyn judges are as lenient as the Bronx ones.- Is it in a courtroom?
How long will I be waiting to be heard?
How long does the deliberation take?
Do I have to say "your honor?"
- Is it in a courtroom?
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At the Livingston place...
First go to info booth, say what you are there for, and get a number.
Then go to whichever window calls out your number. Then you will get another number.
They will say if you do not contest (plead guilty), they will lower the fine. You can also wait to see a judge but then its all or none. Either you are found guilty and pay the fine and a fee, or the ticket is dismissed.
Contesting ticket, I am one for two. I got one dismissed, one no dice and I paid.
It can take a few hours. -
I contested one by mail and lost; appealed by mail and lost again. It took months. :x
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I did it in person - at John St, I think.
I went on vacation and both my registration and inspection expired. Each ticket was $55 and they gave me 2 tickets/day for 5 days = $550. I just about died when I saw them all.
I think the whole process took me 2 hours. I had a female judge who said "wow, this cop was ticket happy, huh?". I told her the truth - that I didn't drive very often, had been on vacation and didn't realize it had expired and that it was my fault, but that I thought the amount of tickets was excessive.
She agreed and decided that $110 was fair - one ticket for the registration, one for inspection.
A little "your honor" never hurt -
I also contested one by mail and won. Somebody bumped my plate off while parallel (aka "park by feel") parking. I put the plate in my front window and got a ticket for having no front plate. I got it fixed the next morning (since I was due for an oil change anyway, I had them write on the receipt "re-mounted front plate") and said that somebody had knocked it off.
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I contested a ticket online and got the fine bumped down to $40 from the original $65. I think it took only 30 days to get a hearing. This was for an expired registration. I was totally at fault, but got the car inspected right away after getting the ticket.
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Both tickets: DISMISSED!
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8thandPrez wrote: Both tickets: DISMISSED!
Good job! More details, please....what were the tickets for? -
Thanks, Flexi.
The details... ugh. Two tickets for an expired emissions sticker.
We bought a 96 Ford Explorer last month from a family member in California. Upon arrival, it failed the emissions inspection bc the battery was disconnected during the cross-country shipment (which clears out all the emissions data saved on the car's computer). We had to drive it for a week to collect more data, but then the Check Engine light came on...
Long story short, we had to get it repaired and the Manhattan dealer was the only place that would do it. We had to wait 8 days for an appointment and got the tix while waiting to bring it in.
The judge was a character - One minute into my explanation and he said "Please save me, that's enough, I'm dismissing both tickets." -
That's great! I was a bit nervous when I had this older woman judge who looked really serious, but when she said "wow, this cop was a bit ticket happy, wasn't he?" I felt better.
I saved $440 in 2 hours, so I figure that was worth it. -
Flexichick wrote: That's great! I was a bit nervous when I had this older woman judge who looked really serious, but when she said "wow, this cop was a bit ticket happy, wasn't he?" I felt better.
I think my judge used exactly those words when he reduced my 3 expired inspection sticker tickets to $25.
I saved $440 in 2 hours, so I figure that was worth it.
Howdy, Stranger!
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