Any lawyers, legal experts on here? Quick ? about a open container ticket

[southsidehitman]

how did he do anything wrong? open containers are looked at as no big deal where i come from

[surlycue]

Originally Posted by southsidehitman

how did he do anything wrong? open containers are looked at as no big deal where i come from

He broke the law. It may be a silly law but it is still on the books and is used to cut down on crumb bums hanging around on the corners. OP could've easily brown bagged it or transferred it to a cup with a lid if he was so intent on drinking outside on public property.

The fact that you live in a neighborhood where the CPD doesn't enforce the law is no surprise to me. They've got better things to do.

[snoylekim]

Originally Posted by southsidehitman

how did he do anything wrong? open containers are looked at as no big deal where i come from

Yes, OP was in a 'resort' area w/ a beach, and open container rules are rather common in the area .. I haven't been there in years , but I believe the 'thou shalt nots' are posted prominently so nobody is surprised .. Hell, a few miles further south in Ocean City and he could have been ticketed for 'no top on the boardwalk' if he was walking around shirtless..I think the fine is the same for shirtless men as it would be for topless females .. Hey, they only have 4.5 months to collect their yearly revenue ..

[lenniel]

OK, thanks for all the comments, advice, critiques, etc.
I called the court and the women said the only way the judge would consider reducing the fine is to set a court date and come out to see him (aint gonna happen).

So, like a good Chicagoan who's used to paying ridiculous fees for everything from my cable, cell phone and parking meters to neighborhood parking stickers, real estate transfer stamp and 10.25% sales tax (should I go on....), I bit the bullet and sent a check for $200. The fine was $200 and they add in $50 court cost for a total of $250. But since I'm not using the court, my little protest is to withhold the $50. If they want to spend the time, effort and resources to chase me around for that, then I'll be impressed.

[snoylekim]

Originally Posted by lenniel

OK, thanks for all the comments, advice, critiques, etc.
I called the court and the women said the only way the judge would consider reducing the fine is to set a court date and come out to see him (aint gonna happen).

So, like a good Chicagoan who's used to paying ridiculous fees for everything from my cable, cell phone and parking meters to neighborhood parking stickers, real estate transfer stamp and 10.25% sales tax (should I go on....), I bit the bullet and sent a check for $200. The fine was $200 and they add in $50 court cost for a total of $250. But since I'm not using the court, my little protest is to withhold the $50. If they want to spend the time, effort and resources to chase me around for that, then I'll be impressed.

Did you speak to the Justice of the Peace Court ?? be careful with that 'protest' stuff ... they could still tack on contempt fines and failure to appear if they think you're being a smartass ... Courts aren't like businesses, and , frankly, you're not really negotiating from a position of strength .. Keep an eye on any mail you get from them from this point on .. Good Luck !!