Leniency with Handicapped parking ticket

[NJJim]

New Jersey.

I really can't stand people that use handicapped parking when they aren't handicapped. And technically, I (who am perfectly able-bodied) parked in such a spot while I was taking my 93 year old aunt to the doctor. I needed to get her wheelchair out of the trunk and get her into the chair and up the sidewalk, so I used the closest spot.

Getting her into the office is not an easy task.

I was about to simply pay the ticket since I am guilty, but when I realized the ticket is $282 I gasped. This is a first offense, and I am hoping I can ask for a reduced fine, considering the circumstances.

Is this a reasonable approach? What would I need to convince the court of my situation? Would it be enough to show that she had an appointment at that time, and that she uses a wheel chair?

Thanks for the advice.

Jim in NJ

 

[Happy Trails]

New Jersey.

I really can't stand people that use handicapped parking when they aren't handicapped. And technically, I (who am perfectly able-bodied) parked in such a spot while I was taking my 93 year old aunt to the doctor. I needed to get her wheelchair out of the trunk and get her into the chair and up the sidewalk, so I used the closest spot.

Getting her into the office is not an easy task.

I was about to simply pay the ticket since I am guilty, but when I realized the ticket is $282 I gasped. This is a first offense, and I am hoping I can ask for a reduced fine, considering the circumstances.

Is this a reasonable approach? What would I need to convince the court of my situation? Would it be enough to show that she had an appointment at that time, and that she uses a wheel chair?

Thanks for the advice.

Jim in NJ

Did she have a handicap placard?

If so, why didn't you use it?

 

[Zigner]

Does your aunt have a valid placard?

Edit:
(umm...yeah, what Happy said )

 

[NJJim]

She does not have a placard.

I was wrong to park there. But I'd like to think that the circumstances may lower the fine. Do they even do that?

And if I have a chance here, how would I approach this? Do I plead guilty and ask for mercy? Do I plead Not Guilty? Do I plead insanity?

thanks

 

[The Occultist]

There's only one "circumstance" that would fix this, and that's if you had a plate or placard properly displayed. If she is deserving of such a placard, then she needs to get one.

 

[patstew]

There's only one "circumstance" that would fix this, and that's if you had a plate or placard properly displayed. If she is deserving of such a placard, then she needs to get one.

The police department for which I work will take back an HC ticket retroactively if the eligible person gets a current valid HC permit. Call 'em and ask 'em.