Conflict of Interest

[Tif_84]

What is the name of your state? Kansas
I am an Asst. City Clerk. A few days ago I ran a school bus stop sign. It wasn't until the next day that I received the ticket from a city police officer. However, instead of giving me a municipal ticket with city fines, he gave me a county ticket with county fines. Which happen to be four times higher than the city ticket. He decided that I deserved the county ticket because there was a conflict of interest since I was a City employee and had access to city records. However, it was only 1 1/2 years ago that he gave a different city employee a ticket which was a municipal, not a county. For some reason, that particular employee didn't have the same conflict of interest he seems to be so worried about with me. In fact, I am the first employee in the last 10 years that there seems to be a conflict of interest with. I don't necessarily think it is "conflict of interest" this particular officer is worried about. I believe he is mad at the city administration for catching him trying to get away with things he shouldn't do and he is taking it out on me. Is there anything I can do?

[Zigner]

You agree the ticket is proper...

[MadinMaine]

1] Speak with your supervisor about it to make sure you don't make any political faux pas.

2] Speak to HIS supervisor about it - politely, calmly and logically with specific references to past cases.

3] Fight the ticket in court and explain it to the judge with specific examples of past tickets given to other city employees.

Even if you wind up paying the larger amount you will have brought the subject into the light of day.

Good luck!

[Hey There]

The Kansas School Bus Stop Law

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Overtaking a School Bus
The driver of a vehicle approaching a School Bus from the rear may not pass the School Bus when red signal lights are flashing and shall bring his vehicle to a complete stop before reaching the School Bus when it is stopped. The vehicle shall remain stopped until the stop sign is retracted, the flashing red lights are discontinued and School Bus resumes motion, or until signalled by the driver to proceed.

Meeting a School Bus
The driver of a vehicle approaching a School Bus on which the amber warning signal lights are flashing shall reduce the speed of his vehicle and shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop when School Bus stops, red lights flash and stop sign is extended. The vehicle shall remain stopped until stop sign is retracted and the red lights are discontinued after which he may proceed with due caution.
Divided Highway
The driver of a vehicle upon a State highway, with separated roadways providing two or more lanes in each direction, need not stop when approaching a School Bus which is headed in the opposite direction even though the bus is stopped and the stop arm is extended and the red flashing lights are activated.
Remember, it is a $100.00 fine for passing a stopped School Bus in Kansas.(From one website.)
Improper passing of school bus; improper use of school bus signals
8-1556 $300(From Kansas Uniform Fine Schedule website).
City of Witchita fine +$156.00(2008)

In Kansas a officer doesn't need to issue a ticket at the time of the perceived violation but the NEXT day? Please clarify.

What is the violation # you were cited for?

A city police officer issued a ticket as a county traffic violation?
The location where the officer cited you for is within city limits?
Correct?
*******************************************************
Is there anything I can do? (? from your thread)
Among other options
You have the option of consulting with a lawyer.
Some lawyers will consult on a one time basis for a modest fee--$50.00) or even for no charge.
You have the option of entering a not guilty plea in court which simply means that as a defendant you are requiring that the violation you are charged with be proved in court. You are entitled to your day in court.

Best Regards,
Hey There