Better is One Day Out of Court

It was bad enough I knew the fine for Matt's speeding (52 in a 35) was going to be $176.25, but did we REALLY have to go to court also? Yes! If a driver under 21 is ticketed for a reportable offense (one that carries points which will be assessed against your driver's license) then court appearance is mandatory. Now, here is some advice for those of you who've not had the pleasure of traffic court:

• Arrive Early. Just because the ticket says court begins at 9:00 a.m. don't wait until then to go. In Duluth you are seen by the order of your arrival.
• Do NOT under any circumstances expect that you can take your cell phone in the court room, even if you have it on silent and it is in your pocket.
• If you have a metal belt buckle, expect the metal detector to alarm and know you shall suffer the subsequent search and fondling by the police.
• If the row says "Reserved" do not attempt to sit on the edge, even if no other seating is available. Simply wait for someone else to be arraigned and leave.
• Bring something to read or you will be forced to listen to lame stories and apologies from people who refuse to admit guilt.
• If you can't pay your fine, no worries, you can be put on probation where you have to report every month and it's like a "pay as you go" plan. But be careful, that line is as long as the one to get in the courtroom.
• Expect to see people you know, but do not attempt to make eye contact or give a nod of recognition. Apparently if you are caught with marijuana you don't want your friend's mom eyeballing you.
• If you want to go first, hire an attorney - they always get to the front of the line. In our experience, everyone charged with DUI had an attorney so we heard all those cases first.
• Do not expect justice to actually be served.

Even Matt didn't receive justice (he should have suffered under his original charge as he was guilty), but he did receive mercy. His speeding was reduced to "going too fast for conditions" which carries no points. The fine is the same amount and he must complete a defensive driving course within 30 days and then return June 4th with certificate in hand to have his case closed.

The worst part of the day for me was my disgust at the DUI offenders who ALL got their sentences reduced and none of them lost their license. How is that even possible? Caught drunk driving but only slapped with a fine and time served at the initial arrest. It somehow seems wrong that these people could leave court for a DUI and go celebrate their freedom with a drink. I guess they have to actually hurt someone or something for justice to be served.