Expert: Charles W. Field - 10/24/2004

Question
I am fighting a parking ticket in the state of NY and I was hoping that you might be able to give me some advise. This is the first ticket I have ever recieved, and the first one I am ever fighting. I really didn't see the "No Parking Monday thru Wednesday" sign - and on the ticket, the officer wrote down the words "blk" on my ticket in an "other " section for comments. If he is making refrence to the color of my car, he got it wrong. My car is blue. So what do you think? What can I do to best ensure a successful appeal to the ticket?

Thanks!

Answer
I have no idea what he meant by "blk". He would have to explain that in court. If the judges in NY are like the ones in GA, you will need a really good excuse as to why you didn't see the sign, such as a tree or big bush had grown up and was obstructing your view. Otherwise, just failing to notice the sign is no defense, just as failure to notice a Speed Limit sign is no defense. If it's your word gainst the cop's, judge for yourself who the judge will believe.