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Expired Meter
I was using my Dad's horseless carriage on New Years Eve and I left it on the public right-of-way in downtown Minneapolis. When I was done with my business I came back to find a parking citation left on the windshield for an "Expired Meter" [Minnesota code 478.360(A)] in the amount of $34.00. It says I have 21 days to respond to the citation or a warrant may be issued and if I want to contest the ticket to call a number to schedule an appointment or appear in person before a hearing officer. It also says "Once you have appeared, all fines are due on the day they are imposed."
If I have to go to the government center it must be today (Friday 18th) or possibly Monday (21st) depending on if they include the day the citation was given or not.
I have some questions:
1.) Since the conveyance is registered to my Dad but the parking citation does not include his name will there be an issue that I am challenging it?
2.) Should I call to schedule the appointment or just appear in person and deal with the hearing officer?
3.) When I speak to these people should I be requesting them to schedule a jury trial?
4.) When can I start filing motions?
An interesting thing about this citation, the back says:
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IF YOU PLEAD GUILTY BY PAYING A FINE, YOU WAIVE YOUR RIGHTS TO:
1.) A trial by the court or to a jury;
2.) Be represented by counsel;
3.) Be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt;
4.) Confront and cross examine all prosecution witnesses;
5.) Either remain silent or to testify for the defense.
YOU MAY CONTACT THE VIOLATIONS BUREAU IF:
1.) You plead "Not Guilty"
2.) You plead "Guilty" and wish to offer an explanation.
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So am I not supposed to contact the violations bureau if I want to "Be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt" ???
I also planned on bringing some silver coins to pay with along with some sort of form which says they cannot accept my payment.
Anyways I should have wrote this earlier but here is where I am at, any assistance would be great because the last time I went there I was railroaded by the hearing officer before even getting to court.
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