Lake Havasu City, AZ
Long Story Short, I was transporting some friends from one side of the channel to the other. I was cited for 8-16-140 cc Overloaded Watercraft and 5-331.A ars Not Enough PFDs / passengers. From what I understand the not enough PFDs is a Petty Offense so I must appear in court. Is this the same as a Traffic Ticket where if I plead Not Guilty I will get another court date in which the Officer will have to appear as well? The officers that gave the ticket did not board the boat and there were actually enough PFD's there was just confusion in dealing with the 18 people that were on the boat. One of the vests was a jet pilot which is not coast guard approved and when the officer asked everyone to grab a vest he grabbed the jet pilot instead of one of the others available.
My main concern is finding out what the sentencing for these violations are. Boating School? $100? $1000? If the fine is reasonable it is easier for me to just pay it given that it costs $100 in gas plus a few hundred in lost wages to drive to Havasu from Phoenix for court.
Just looking for some advice on the most efficient way to deal with this situation. Thanks
Long Story Short, I was transporting some friends from one side of the channel to the other. I was cited for 8-16-140 cc Overloaded Watercraft and 5-331.A ars Not Enough PFDs / passengers. From what I understand the not enough PFDs is a Petty Offense so I must appear in court. Is this the same as a Traffic Ticket where if I plead Not Guilty I will get another court date in which the Officer will have to appear as well? The officers that gave the ticket did not board the boat and there were actually enough PFD's there was just confusion in dealing with the 18 people that were on the boat. One of the vests was a jet pilot which is not coast guard approved and when the officer asked everyone to grab a vest he grabbed the jet pilot instead of one of the others available.
My main concern is finding out what the sentencing for these violations are. Boating School? $100? $1000? If the fine is reasonable it is easier for me to just pay it given that it costs $100 in gas plus a few hundred in lost wages to drive to Havasu from Phoenix for court.
Just looking for some advice on the most efficient way to deal with this situation. Thanks