What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New Jersey
Hello, I was in Hoboken, New Jersey for St. Patrick's day and received a drinking in public citation. I stepped out of the house to wait for friends to arrive on the front steps when an officer came walking up the block and cited me for having a red cup with beer. I honestly was unaware that such a thing was not allowed or otherwise I would've dumped it out, drank it or not been out there at all with it.
I know it's similar to a traffic ticket and not really a serious matter however, the ticket is accompanied by a maximum fine of $1000 which they are giving to everyone. I've already been to court once to plead not guilty, but what kind of defense do I have? The fine is excessive, especially given the economy but they don't seem to care. To them, the festivities are a nuisance and they are intent on trying to get the days events canceled or brought down to a smaller scale.
It just seems like the punishment doesn't fit the crime. I was told due to their "zero tolerance" policy that everyone gets the $1000 fine, but that seems excessive. 2 people I know recently got the same citation in other municipalities and the fines were right around $100.
Hello, I was in Hoboken, New Jersey for St. Patrick's day and received a drinking in public citation. I stepped out of the house to wait for friends to arrive on the front steps when an officer came walking up the block and cited me for having a red cup with beer. I honestly was unaware that such a thing was not allowed or otherwise I would've dumped it out, drank it or not been out there at all with it.
I know it's similar to a traffic ticket and not really a serious matter however, the ticket is accompanied by a maximum fine of $1000 which they are giving to everyone. I've already been to court once to plead not guilty, but what kind of defense do I have? The fine is excessive, especially given the economy but they don't seem to care. To them, the festivities are a nuisance and they are intent on trying to get the days events canceled or brought down to a smaller scale.
It just seems like the punishment doesn't fit the crime. I was told due to their "zero tolerance" policy that everyone gets the $1000 fine, but that seems excessive. 2 people I know recently got the same citation in other municipalities and the fines were right around $100.