What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania
This evening, I parked in the patrolled lot for my apartment. I spent about 30 mins inside, and came out to see a tow truck backed up to my car. Some sort of metal bar was up against the rear wheels, but the car was not raised or attached to the tow vehicle.
I explained I had right to be there, showed where the appropriate tag had fallen off (evindence of sticker noted, but not sticker itself) and told him I'd be happy to show him mail addressed to me. He talks to dispatch and they say, "tough--he owes $55."
Not inclined to take the opinion of a vested interest, plus doubtful a tow driver has any legal authority, I drove away, making an unfortunate comment about WHEN I'd be paying $55.
Concerned that the tow co. would be waiting for me to return, I drive to the tow station and tell them that either they can not molest me for the next hour or so, or I'll call and request a police escort to my apt. When the cops show up, they tell me "theft of services" and either I can pay $55 there or get cited. I say "It'd be morally wrong to pay off a liar" and take the citation.
Question:
1. At what point does a tow driver actually "perform a service?" (The tow driver is claiming the car was up off the ground but unattatched.)
2. Considering this is a "he said/he said" scenario, how was I even cited? I thought the cops had to either observe or have tangible evidence of a crime?
This evening, I parked in the patrolled lot for my apartment. I spent about 30 mins inside, and came out to see a tow truck backed up to my car. Some sort of metal bar was up against the rear wheels, but the car was not raised or attached to the tow vehicle.
I explained I had right to be there, showed where the appropriate tag had fallen off (evindence of sticker noted, but not sticker itself) and told him I'd be happy to show him mail addressed to me. He talks to dispatch and they say, "tough--he owes $55."
Not inclined to take the opinion of a vested interest, plus doubtful a tow driver has any legal authority, I drove away, making an unfortunate comment about WHEN I'd be paying $55.
Concerned that the tow co. would be waiting for me to return, I drive to the tow station and tell them that either they can not molest me for the next hour or so, or I'll call and request a police escort to my apt. When the cops show up, they tell me "theft of services" and either I can pay $55 there or get cited. I say "It'd be morally wrong to pay off a liar" and take the citation.
Question:
1. At what point does a tow driver actually "perform a service?" (The tow driver is claiming the car was up off the ground but unattatched.)
2. Considering this is a "he said/he said" scenario, how was I even cited? I thought the cops had to either observe or have tangible evidence of a crime?