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Here is my problem: I just got a fine from the police in the New York subway, and I am quite scared.
I had a big plate of food in my two hands, so it was not very convenient to take my card from my wallet, and the exit door was wide open, and I went through the door ...
The thing is I have an unlimited metro-card, I tried to explain it to the police agent but he did not care at all ... He told me I could call the Transit Adjucation Bureau to exlpain the situation but he told me the fine is very unlikely to be cancelled ... So I am going to pay for it ..
Now do you think that could be dangerous for the rest of my stay in NY (9 or 14 months for the moment)? As a European, I always think of the American/ New Yorker Police that way: 1st mistake= fine, 2nd mistake = big problems (i.e jail). I might be paranoid but I am worried ...
And since I am a foreigner, do you think it could be taken into account if I ever apply for a new visa in the years ahead?
Last edited by Parisien75; 07-21-2014 at 11:00 PM..
It's sort of horrifying and fascinating to consider the image that the rest of the 1st World has about the US jail system: a place where the American racial score, 300 odd years in the making, is settled in the rectums of white inmates.
having an unlimited metro card and not using it is like having a registration sticker for your car and not putting it on. fine stands, the law is it must be displayed to be valid.
years ago we were out hunting in the rain and got soaking wet. we later changed clothes went back out and my buddy realized he left his hunting licence in the clothes drying back at the hotel.
as luck had it we got spot checked and even though he had a licence it wasn't on him or displayed. the fine still stood.
most laws are written with the intent that not only do you need whatever it is but it has to be displayed or used in some fashion as well to be valid.
Hi,
I had a big plate of food in my two hands, so it was not very convenient to take my card from my wallet, and the exit door was wide open, and I went through the door ...
Well I'll give you the benefit of the doubt since you are a foreigner but big plate of food or not, going through the exit just shows a lack of common sense.
What you did is an administrative violation. It's not a crime, it doesn't go on your record, it doesn't have any consequences for your future immigration status. Just pay it in time and don't do it again.
EDIT: Actually, I spoke too quickly. Check your ticket. Does it cite an article of the penal code? If it says 165.15 then that's a misdemeanor and will indeed result in you having a record. Though if he mentioned TAB it probably isn't and you're still fine.
Last edited by psychopompos; 07-22-2014 at 09:15 AM..
Why would you be carrying a big plate of food into the subway to begin with?
No excuse..pay your fine.
This is what I was wondering. I am often carrying TONS of bags and boxes on the train. I usually make sure I get it out on my way there. Wave down the station agent and swipe through the handicapped door. Never had an issue.
having an unlimited metro card and not using it is like having a registration sticker for your car and not putting it on. fine stands, the law is it must be displayed to be valid.
I know you're using the analogy to make a point, but ... I never put the registration sticker on my license plate. It's always current, as is everything else (insurance, license) - you only have to watch a few episodes of Philly Parking Wars to have that habit beat into your head!
The reason for not displaying the sticker? Some people (myself included) have had the sticker stolen or, worse, had the entire plate stolen (presumably so the thief could take more time and care removing the sticker). In Philly/PA at least, as long as you can show your registration is current - be it via your plates or by showing the sticker to a cop who pulled you over - you are, quite literally, good to go.
And hey, OP - don't bring any ready to eat food on the subway, especially if it smells good.
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