kailz7 OP t1_itqqk1o wrote
Reply to comment by AshamedAtmosphere835 in Open Container ticket in Manasquan by kailz7
if you were me would you just pay the citation? I think it is $450 although if I try and fight it and go to court it will be $60 court fee
AshamedAtmosphere835 t1_itqqpdm wrote
You can absolutely go to court and try to fight it. At worst it costs you a little more money and a wasted day
kailz7 OP t1_itqr535 wrote
that is true.. luckily the court is virtual so it wouldnt be a complete waste of my day
AshamedAtmosphere835 t1_itqrmz3 wrote
What’s your defense going to be?
kailz7 OP t1_itqspw6 wrote
haha i am not exactly sure yet so could use some help there.. i think something along the lines of i moved to new york city a few months ago and although i have been loving it it has been quite the adjustment! i was at the jersey shore for the first time and i didnt know about the strict open container laws being from maryland. i know ignorance is not an excuse although i was hoping showing up today and showing that i am sorry and that it wont happen again will help reduce the fine
AshamedAtmosphere835 t1_itqwr1s wrote
Shore towns make their money from Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you’re out of state during the summer, and you’re caught doing something, you’re not going to find any mercy from the police or courts. You’re going to need one hell of an excuse to find something to reduce the fine.
As they say “come on vacation and leave on probation”
bensonr2 t1_itqxa8f wrote
I would just pay it.
There are open container laws in most jurisdictions to my knowledge.
The only 2 places I'm aware of that allow open containers in popular tourist spots are New Orleans and Vegas. I'm sure there may be more but the point is its not common.
It seems like you defense is not that you didn't know that was against the law but that you didn't think it was a law that was enforced.
I'm not judging I'm just saying I can't picture that defense getting you very far and you'll just pay court costs on top of the ticket.
kailz7 OP t1_itqyk7p wrote
yes that is a good point.. lol i wish i knew that it was that expensive
bensonr2 t1_itrepua wrote
I would just count yourself lucky its not a required court appearance. Fines suck and like everything else are just getting more expensive. My last speeding ticket from 3 years ago cost me over 200 so I'm not surprised a misdemeanor is at least 400.
I would take it as a lesson learned that Jersey Shore towns do not F around with minor offenses. A lot of towns are a bit heavy handed in the interest of trying to keep it family friendly. Just cause you see coolers on every other blanket doesn't mean you won't be the poor SOB who gets a ticket when they go around checking.
cloudAhead t1_itr3moj wrote
You could try to beg for the mercy of the court and ask for a lesser fine, but I wouldn’t count on it. As others have said, this is how shore towns make money and their budgets are tight as well.
kailz7 OP t1_itr6oo8 wrote
yeah i might have to do that- living in nyc things are tight! someone was saying to ask for a lesser fine and donate to charity which might work?
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