Today, in Traffic Court, I learned:
People really don’t care about their appearance. I have never in my life seen so many women and men who can care less about how they are dressed and what type of statement that makes. On a serious note, there should be a stricter dress code when appearing in court. From messy hair do-s that ranged from platinum blonde to fire engine red to guys with pants 2 sizes to big and the t-shirt to match, it was defnitely a wide range of characters in the building.
Getting a ticket and contesting it is a very tedious and annoying process. I never want to get another speeding ticket/traffic violation again in my life. Why, you ask – besides scarring my driving record? Well, regardless of the fact that you only went 10 miles over the speed limit or you didn’t have on your seatbelt because you were just going to the next parking lot, you are shunned when you’re merely asking for direction; you are treated with little to no respect by the officers that are there; and you have to sit in the lobby with those who have violated probation, didn’t pay child support, etc. and no one will be able to distinguish you from them. And well, they don’t even try to. “/
Guys will try to get your number WHEREVER and WHENEVER they can. I have never been hit on by so many criminals in my life and it made me extremely uncomfortable. This tactic has to be working on some female.. somewhere .. in some courthouse. #WhyTho?
People don’t listen, read, and follow directions as often as they should. And I honestly believe that for some people, it is an election because they’re prefer to be difficult and argumentative. For example, the Prosecutor states that you have to check in, get a white slip of paper, and wait until your name is called before you can contest your ticket. With that being said, to the top of his lungs might I add, I’m not sure why an entire bench of people sitting right next to the prosecutor while stating what I’ve previously mentioned, began complaining and groaning saying they already have a slip and why they need to get another. -_-
People can careless about the vulgarity that comes from the mouth. They don’t care if they’re sitting right next to you or directly behind you where you can hear every. single. word. that they’re saying, even if every other word is that of obscenity. From sex to who’s the new Criminal Informant, or rat as it was stated – discretion was not in the building.
When contesting a ticket, the prosecutor asks you if the violations are true, and if the officer isn’t there, it’s pretty much your word against theirs. Now, I’ve heard of this before, but I didn’t think it was that simple. Mind you, I was telling the truth; but, I could have easily lied about some things and he still would have taken my word for it.*
After waiting for two hours, sharing the newspaper with an older gentleman that felt just as out of place as I did, I left the building with a $134 promise to pay.
*doesn’t work in all areas. use wisely. 🙂
Jenny
September 6, 2011 at 7:29 pmWow, that is… crazy. I always thought when people go to court, they are always aware of their appearance, language, and etc. But reading this… wow! That is insane. I would have felt out of place if I was there with you. Yikes.
At least it is done and over with! I am sorry that you got a ticket despite the fact that you were going to the next parking lot.
DaenelT
September 6, 2011 at 11:17 pmGirl, I had jury duty once, hadn’t even made it into the court room, and I couldn’t tell who was a defendant and who was there for jury duty. Seriously, if you’re gonna be on jury duty, show some respect for the court house. I was embarrassed for some of the people.
And,yeah, no one can tell why you’re there, so the assumption is that you’re a criminal.
Criminals need love too, girl. You know there are guys on death row that have women loving them and wanting to marry them. Sad.
Nicole
September 7, 2011 at 11:02 amCoincidentally, I have jury duty on Monday. I am not looking forward to it by the way. This blog post sure didn’t help. 😉
In the jury summons I received, it specifically stated how one should dress for court. But what if I don’t? Maybe I wear my replica Darth Vader outfit, I’ll get out of jury duty! Just kidding. I don’t have a replica Darth Vader outfit. And my lame, good self is going to dress appropriately. I am no rebel.
Brownbelle
September 7, 2011 at 3:01 pmI got to observe court hearings at my summer internship and let me confirm all of the above, it’s true everywhere. I’ve people come to court in too-thin leggings, butt jiggling all over the place; no bra and boobs to her waist; dirty undershirt with alcohol on his breath…it’s a circus. Once I actually laughed out loud, but nobody noticed because the plaintiff and the defendant were yelling at the top of their lungs in front of the judge. O_O
Jaz
September 9, 2011 at 10:32 pmWow. Thats horrible. That is just plain weird and disgusting to think that is the legal system. Seriously, I wouldn’t be surprised if it is like that here too. In Australia. Our legal system is too soft, unfortunately.
Jaz xx
Shannon
September 10, 2011 at 8:39 pmSounds like a typical day anywhere to be honest. People just don’t give a hell what they wear, how they speak to others, etc. I think the most important detail of all is that they often forget how stupid they look especially in important situations.
Tamara
September 12, 2011 at 4:11 pmWow! Eventful to say in the least. I hate the fact that when you go to a public place (such as a charity hospital) people just “group” you with the bunch. Especially when it is negative. Just because I am black and female does not mean I am here with my baby daddy drama or child support issue. And even if I WAS doesn’t mean that I have no decency for myself or the ones around me. I do believe though that people can tell (if they have half a brain) whether you are like “them” or not. How can they not!? All I can say gal is wear that belt and take your foot off the gas 😀 Lol
Raely B.
September 13, 2011 at 12:28 pmHa! After that ordeal I dont want to go back to court for ANYTHING!
K. Rock
September 13, 2011 at 2:16 pmYeah I have been there and quite recently in fact. My court experience ended in my being on probation to pay the stupid ticket. I hate the law! But only when it is working against me. I like all the other times.
Romney
September 14, 2011 at 8:00 pmWow, that is ridiculous. I’m glad you got that over with though! Whew.
Nicole
September 15, 2011 at 11:03 amI know what you mean, when I visited a court, people literally rolled out of bed to make their court appearance. It means nothing that you are dealing with a judge or the legal system for people to look in a mirror…
Yasmine
September 20, 2011 at 6:24 pmThis post had me cracking up! Lol. Especially the criminals trying to holla and people just not giving a zip about how they look… I was dying over here. BUT, it’s not even funny smh. It’s terrible that the officers treat everyone like that even though there are varying offenses. But I guess what can you do about that… Hopefully you won’t be back there!
Kay
October 4, 2011 at 11:58 amI absolutely HATE it. I’ve been to court twice. Nothing major, but I hate the whole experience. Being around people who are nothing like you in any sense. Yuck!
Samara
October 15, 2011 at 12:44 pmI won’t even waste my time trying to contest a ticket anymore. Regardless of what you say, the judge will take the cops word over yours and find you guilty, smh. But I can relate to your post. Most “normal” people will put on slacks and a blouse/button-up for court while everyone else will come in spandex pants, a skin tight shirt, and a scarf tied around there weave, or as you stated: an over sized white tee and jeans.
Kasidy *The Fresh Factor*
November 14, 2011 at 12:09 amWow, sounds like an interesting day. I’ve never contested a ticket, after reading that I don’t think I will in the future lol. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, hope you’ll visit again!
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