A few days ago, my husband, Ed, stopped at Kitsap County courthouse to appeal the judge’s decision on his seat belt violation ticket. Last month, he was found guilty of the charges. The judge stated the State proved he was in violation because the State Trooper said he "saw" the buckle hanging from the window, although my husband had pictures showing that was impossible.
At first, I wanted to fight the ticket, because of the principal of the ticket. My husband was obeying the law, yet was cited, because the officer was either blind or incompetent. To appeal the judge’s decision would cost us $230, almost twice the cost of the original ticket, and is non-refundable even if we win. Ouch! Do we fight or not?
The first picture is my husband the same afternoon he received the ticket, look closely for the belt, which blends with the grey hoodie he was wearing. The second photo is of the seat belt. When not in use it rests at the lap, NOT the shoulder, so again how in HELL did the officer "see" the buckle out hanging from the window?
At first, I wanted to fight the ticket, because of the principal of the ticket. My husband was obeying the law, yet was cited, because the officer was either blind or incompetent. To appeal the judge’s decision would cost us $230, almost twice the cost of the original ticket, and is non-refundable even if we win. Ouch! Do we fight or not?
The first picture is my husband the same afternoon he received the ticket, look closely for the belt, which blends with the grey hoodie he was wearing. The second photo is of the seat belt. When not in use it rests at the lap, NOT the shoulder, so again how in HELL did the officer "see" the buckle out hanging from the window?
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