intimidatedinpa
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? PA
I know this is going to sound like a cluster of errors but here goes-
Mistake #1 This sad tale begins with an expired license, due to address change and not being very observant. On realizing the expiration, I forward an application and a check for $24 to the great Commonwealth of PA.
Mistake #2 Instead of receiving the license, I get a letter advising that somehow, I am $2 short and asking for a check so processing can be completed. (I think that I checked a box asking for a contribution for organ donor awareness, or something). I mail in the requisite $2 check and proceed to wait return of the renewed license.
Mistake #3 I did not see the stop sign or the lights, and can only assume that like Officer X says, the were out/on. I, I give him my expired license and explain. He tells me I am getting a warning, he doesn't tell me I am getting charged. A full month goes by before I receive citation number one with a hefty fine for driving without a license. A reference to the school bus violation warning is scrawled on the bottom of the ticket.
Mistake #4 I decide to take my chances in explaining and proving that I was not making up the story above regarding the $2, etc. I pay several hundred dollars to have a hearing. I didn't envision the repercussion. Apparently in retaliation, Officer X on being issued notice of hearing date, decides to use his authority to teach me a lesson about pleading not guilty. He hammers me with a second charge on the school bus thing.
My question: Is this a misuse of power? Can an officer arbitrarily charge you for a violation after declaring same a warning, without any obvious reason other than retribution or intimidation?
Considering withdrawing my original plea (assuming this is possible) to avoid further punishment from Officer X.
I know this is going to sound like a cluster of errors but here goes-
Mistake #1 This sad tale begins with an expired license, due to address change and not being very observant. On realizing the expiration, I forward an application and a check for $24 to the great Commonwealth of PA.
Mistake #2 Instead of receiving the license, I get a letter advising that somehow, I am $2 short and asking for a check so processing can be completed. (I think that I checked a box asking for a contribution for organ donor awareness, or something). I mail in the requisite $2 check and proceed to wait return of the renewed license.
Mistake #3 I did not see the stop sign or the lights, and can only assume that like Officer X says, the were out/on. I, I give him my expired license and explain. He tells me I am getting a warning, he doesn't tell me I am getting charged. A full month goes by before I receive citation number one with a hefty fine for driving without a license. A reference to the school bus violation warning is scrawled on the bottom of the ticket.
Mistake #4 I decide to take my chances in explaining and proving that I was not making up the story above regarding the $2, etc. I pay several hundred dollars to have a hearing. I didn't envision the repercussion. Apparently in retaliation, Officer X on being issued notice of hearing date, decides to use his authority to teach me a lesson about pleading not guilty. He hammers me with a second charge on the school bus thing.
My question: Is this a misuse of power? Can an officer arbitrarily charge you for a violation after declaring same a warning, without any obvious reason other than retribution or intimidation?
Considering withdrawing my original plea (assuming this is possible) to avoid further punishment from Officer X.
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