H
Harley-Davidson
Guest
What is the name of your state? Illinois
My friends and I attended a party at a nearby college campus (which a few of the friends attend school there). We had just gotten there and my friend and I were standing in the front yard. We each had just opened our first beer for the evening (I am 22 yrs old and he is 21). I spot a few police officers walking up the sidewalk. I think nothing of this since I am of legal drinking age. The officers then ask for both of our I.D.s. We both cooperated fully. I figured they just wanted to make sure we are of age. I then look down and see the officer starting to write a citation. I asked him what it was for. He stated that it was an open container violation. I asked him how I could get one on private property. He said you are on the wrong side of the sidewalk, which is public property. I looked down and I was ONE step from being over the sidewalk. I just kinda chuckled and figured I would just take the $50 fine (I was guessing) and not worry about it. Then he hands it over and it is $250!! I just thought that was pretty harsh for standing one step on the wrong side of the sidewalk in someone's yard. The officer could have just brought the situation to my attention, but I'm pretty sure he was just trying to meet his quota or something. Should I try and fight this? I am more than willing to fight it if I have a chance of winning in court. If I don't have a chance, I will just pay the fine and stay away from that place. If I fight it and lose, I will have to pay another $60 for court costs. Should I do it? Is it worth my time? Anyone have any experience with these? Thanks in advance!
My friends and I attended a party at a nearby college campus (which a few of the friends attend school there). We had just gotten there and my friend and I were standing in the front yard. We each had just opened our first beer for the evening (I am 22 yrs old and he is 21). I spot a few police officers walking up the sidewalk. I think nothing of this since I am of legal drinking age. The officers then ask for both of our I.D.s. We both cooperated fully. I figured they just wanted to make sure we are of age. I then look down and see the officer starting to write a citation. I asked him what it was for. He stated that it was an open container violation. I asked him how I could get one on private property. He said you are on the wrong side of the sidewalk, which is public property. I looked down and I was ONE step from being over the sidewalk. I just kinda chuckled and figured I would just take the $50 fine (I was guessing) and not worry about it. Then he hands it over and it is $250!! I just thought that was pretty harsh for standing one step on the wrong side of the sidewalk in someone's yard. The officer could have just brought the situation to my attention, but I'm pretty sure he was just trying to meet his quota or something. Should I try and fight this? I am more than willing to fight it if I have a chance of winning in court. If I don't have a chance, I will just pay the fine and stay away from that place. If I fight it and lose, I will have to pay another $60 for court costs. Should I do it? Is it worth my time? Anyone have any experience with these? Thanks in advance!