Screwed by the City of Chicago again.

[Kingshakabobo]

I received a ticket for parking in a no parking zone in December. I guess I should have noticed the "no parking" sign but my x-ray vision couldn't see the sign through the Christmas decorations wrapped around the pole so I receive a $50 dollar ticket. No big deal, I figured, since the sign was clearly obstructed and I just happened to have my cell phone with digital camera ( I guess they are good for more than drunken bar pictures ) handy. Like a good citizen, I fill out the ticket and mail it back in the envelope provided along with the very clear evidence of an obstructed sign.

Now, thirty days later I receive a "final determination of guilt" because I failed to pay OR failed to contest the ticket by mail. After sitting on hold for 15 minutes with the Department of Revenue I'm told that I must take time off from work and appear in person to contest in front of a hearing officer.

I guess I'm going to appear for the principle and because I'm sick of being one of Mayor Daley's "fine-bots".

[XNASA]

1. On the bright side.....

Usually, if you show up with evidence....you'll be let off. At least that's been my experience in Chicago.

If you really want to make sure you get off, see if you can schedule your date in court for St. Paddy's Day. Everyone slides on St. Paddy's Day. It happened to me once, and it happened to a friend as well.

[Kingshakabobo]

2. Not a bad idea. The hearing officer was probably drunk.

But I only have another couple weeks to appear. :-(

[seventythree]

3. this stinks

a friend of mine told me of a similar situation -- road painting crews had painted over some warning, so he took pictures and went to court. The judge told him basically -- pay up, if I believed everyone who came in with pictures, everyone would get off. I wish you luck, but I hold out little hope.

[Radical Activist]

4. If you park legally

they just make something up to ticket you for downtown. It is ridiculous.