Woodstock's Administrative Adjudication Court held its July session this morning and was quite busy. There were 25 cases on the docket, split between 9:30AM and 11:00AM sessions.
Eight cases were continued. Two were dismissed. There were three no-shows, which resulted in default convictions and big fines. It is not a good idea to blow off this court! The three defendants were defaulted (didn't show up) were fined $250, $500 and $500.
There was one hearing (trial), and all the rest were settled by negotiated pleas and fines.
The types of cases today ranged from minor in possession of tobacco, drug paraphernalia, minor's consumption of alcohol; providing alcohol to a minor; disorderly conduct; nudity in public place; animal control; possession of cannabis; fireworks.
Being a minor in possession of alcohol results in a $500 fine. That's FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS. Plus court costs ($50-100).
Frankly, I am outraged that the City Council has designated a $500 fine for a first offense for a minor's getting caught with a beer. Sure, it's against the law. And a $100 fine for a first offense would be a strong deterrent.
A $500 fine is just going to anger the kid and anger his parents - the ones likely to have to fork over the payment for the fine and costs. Judge David Eterno doesn't have a choice. The City has mandated the minimum fine.
If you think the fine is outrageously high and is counter-productive, you must approach the City Council and demand a reduction. And you won't get anywhere if you go alone. So get your whole neighborhood involved. If 50-100 parents starting showing up at City Council meetings and making an impression on the City Council, this law will change.
How about a graduated scale for fines?
1st conviction, $100
2nd conviction, $200
3rd conviction, $300
Today's fines will add over $4,000 to the City coffers, and that's just for the 15 cases settled today. The City adds court costs to that, so the three or so hours today racked, perhaps, another $750-1,000. Not bad for a morning's work.... some would say. That's some "in the City".
You never know who is interested…
3 months ago
1 comment:
Oh Gussy~ The part you are forgetting is that if they were cited to real court, whether it was with local ordinance or state statute, they would be arrested, get a criminal history, and lose their drivers license.
After court costs and fines they would be paying nearly 500 in the big boy court anyways. I'd gladly pay the 500 fine at the adjudication court to keep my drivers license and not get a crimnal history.
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