Wednesday, August 3, 2011

My Morning in Traffic Court

A few weeks ago, I was driving along, minding my own business, not doing ANYTHING wrong, when one of Norfolk's Finest thought it would be a good idea to pull me over.

I wasn't speeding.

I had my seat belt on.

I wasn't texting (or facebooking).

Just minding my own little business.

He thought it would be a good idea to remind me that my state inspection was due by the end of June.  And that it was July 6th.

So, maybe he had a point in reminding me that this was something I am supposed to take care of on my own without reminders.  And I took care of it the next day...

I had heard (and remembered) that sometimes if  you just show up in court, and show that it was taken care of, they'll dismiss it.  It was worth a shot, since the fine and court costs would be $90!  $90!

I show up this morning, and immediately see a sign that no cell phones are allowed in the court buildings.  I guess this is something that I should know since the sign was dated 2006.  But I didn't, and I had my phone, and didn't have a clue what to do with it.

Being a good geocacher (check out www.geocaching.com) I just decided to stash it in the bushes.  Fearing that it could go missing, and my non-stop connection to all technical life would be on hold, I made sure it was hidden well!

Imagine my surprise when I walk through the door of said court house, and there are lockers!  LOCKERS!  Right there for anyone to store anything they needed to store.  For a mere 50 cents.    UGH!  Go back and get said cell phone and securely lock it up, or risk it????

Yep - I risked it!

I take my seat on a hard wooden bench and wait for my name to be called.  When my officer is up, I notice they are going in alphabetical order.  Of course.  By last name.  Notice my initials:  AMW.  Surprisingly, it only took about 35 minutes.

AND MY CASE WAS DISMISSED!  YEAH!  I can think of so many better things to spend that $90 on!

Left quickly (so there was no time for him to change his mind) and went to my hiding spot to grab my phone and............

IT WAS STILL THERE!

So while I had to spend part of my morning in Traffic Court, it coulda been worse.

AMW