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Sweet Smell of Justice
By Laurie | May 21, 2009
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Gas for a 2+ hour drive from Dallas to Waco:
$30 |
One night stay at the less than posh Waco Super 8:
$48.88 |
 |
 |
Can of Waco Dr. Pepper:
50ยข |
Getting your court case dismissed without even having to go before the judge, and hearing your husband say, “That’s the sweet smell of justice,” as you high-five on the courthouse steps:
Priceless. |
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You might remember that I was in an accident on my way home from Austin and SXSW in mid-March. Basically it was a long ordeal of haggling with my insurance company, having my car towed back to Dallas, worrying that the driver of the car that pulled in front of me was uninsured, and getting a surprise ticket in the the mail. Yes, I said surprise ticket.
Long story short: at the accident site, the DPS officer told me that he could tell I was not speeding due to the extent of the damage to both vehicles, the fact that our airbags did not deploy, and he said that no citations would be issued due to the weather conditions, number of accidents that morning etc. I thought it was a done deal, but a few weeks later my insurance company called and told me that they were finding me at fault for the accident based on the police report and ticket that was issued regarding the accident.
I was speechless and completely blindsided. A few days later the ticket came in the mail. I immediately called the courthouse and asked why I received the ticket when the officer told me no citations would be issued. They suggested that I write a letter requesting a pre-trial. I went ahead and took their advice, and more than a month later– today –was the day. We drove in last night to ensure that we would be on time for the 8:30 AM court time.
I’ve never really been in court before, so it all happened much differently than I imaged. We sat in a room and waited for my name to be called. The prosecutor came in and began meeting with each person that was scheduled. When my turn came, he took us into the courtroom. He explained that I had the right to remain silent, did not have to talk to him, and so on. He told me that he wanted to hear more about the accident. I told him my side of the story, and he pretty much immediately said that he was dismissing the case. On the paperwork he wrote, “Successful Prosecution Unlikely.”
I don’t really understand the process or why I didn’t go before the judge to tell my story, but I am glad things worked out in my favor– even if we did have to drive down there and spend the night in a hotel.
Topics: Daily Ramble | 7 Comments »
NICE! How awesome is that! I’m so happu for you!
Posted by: StaceyYes, Margaret, sometimes there is justice. Glad for U.
Posted by: NellieAwesome! That is so weird that the officer said that and then turn around and you get a ticket anyway. My guess is the officer “forgot” and issued the citation and bonus the officer didn’t show for court. Total guess though.
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Posted by: Jean M.Whoa…I had no idea all this went down! What a waste of your time and money. Yeesh.
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Posted by: corrinUgh…that was just an awful weekend! You have to promise to come back to Austin for a redo!
Posted by: KatrinaI’m glad it was dismissed but I’m just so confused over why you got the citation to begin with! Oh well – it’s over and you won so YAY!
Posted by: JillI have to say that you probably did save money in the long run. Insurance rates go up fast if you start getting tickets. Not that I would know anything about that or getting your license revoked or anything of the sort.
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