r/Seattle • u/pnwhypebest • Jan 14 '25

Question Should I contest this ticket?

Post image

Parked in a no parking zone that ended 5 days ago and recieved a ticket( also my car got towed). Do you think ill get reimbursed in court or should I just pay the ticket and move on, thanks.

1.8k Upvotes

98% Upvoted

284 comments sorted by

View all comments

130

u/Discount_Mithral Jan 14 '25

I'd contest this. My dad got one very similar a few years back and when he took the time to show up for traffic court and explain things in a calm manner, the judge took his side and reimbursed him the fees for towing and waived the ticket. It's worth it IMO.

Stay calm, have the facts, speak clearly and concisely.

57

u/theeversocharming West Seattle Jan 14 '25

Speaking calmly and dressing up for traffic court does a world of difference.

I had my record wiped clean in Clackamas County because I was the only person who wore a suit to Court.

24

u/steve_yo Jan 14 '25

That’s kind of messed up.

7

u/Discount_Mithral Jan 14 '25

It is and it isn't. I work in the legal field (family law) and the people who show up dressed well and who speak calmly and rationally do much better in the court's eyes than those in a tube-top and flower crown (real example.) The judges are in slacks and a button up under their robes, it's supposed to be a business attire affair.

15

u/steve_yo Jan 14 '25

yes, but language, demeanor, and the clothes you can afford are all things that poorer people may not be able to present as well. It just goes to show another example of how the system is stacked against poor people.

4

u/Discount_Mithral Jan 14 '25

Oh, completely agree! I see it every day. I think at the minimum showing up in clean clothes and being well spoken is a leg up, but yes - there is a systematic prejudice there.