Justice Of The Peace

I am almost embarrassed to write a review for the Justice of the Peace, but you know what, good court experiences should also have some recognition. :P
I had my mom drop me off, so I wouldn’t be soaked in a puddle of sweat before I appeared in court. The building was easily to identify, especially since they had big black letters on the side. Since it’s court, you have to go through a metal detector. Unfortunately, it’s TSA style where you have to remove your shoes (blechhhhhhhhhh). They scanned my bag, too, but I was not asked to remove my watch or jewelry.
I asked the security lady if room 203 was on the second floor, and she confirmed it, so up the stairs I went! She was nice and friendly, even if she was more interested in talking to her security friend than me.
My court appearance was at 1:45PM, and I waited in line for about 10 minutes (the ADA and interns were waiting outside with us as well). I would definitely say that they carefully watch their time, which is much appreciated. Once you check in, you’re led to the courtroom.
One of the clerks gave everybody information on how they could resolve their traffic violations: four rectangles on the board, pick your offense and choose your path… By the way, the bailiff warned us not to provide fake insurance, and if we did, we would get arrested and put into jail. Got it.
So what was this upright citizen doing at the courthouse? Well, a super dedicated police officer saw me on the street, and my vehicle inspection sticker had expired. Oops. My swiss cheese brain completely forgot about it. It had been 3 months, and it was possible that it may not be dismissed. I also didn’t have my insurance card on me (and found out later that my insurance company never mailed me new ones), so strike 2. I quickly resolved my vehicle inspection sticker situation — even if they are on their way out, come 2015 — within 3 days and asked my insurance company to send me new cards.
I won’t lie: I’m pretty cynical about tickets and the law. You hear about cops who will just write tickets to make their monthly quota (whether or not that is actually the case). My addicition to crime shows doesn’t help either…
I have to say, though; I’m totally impressed with the ADA who reviewed all the traffic dockets today (I wish I got his name; he was younger, had blonde hair and was a little bit fratty lol). He worked with people in the courtroom and was willing to make some pretty good deals. I kind of assumed he’d be a jerk, but I was so wrong: instead of being unnecessarily harsh, he gave people a fair chance to get their stuff together with little to no pain. Honestly, while some people just can’t be helped, I really can get behind people like this who are in the legal system.
I showed my paperwork, and after it was verified, both tickets were dismissed (but I had to pay a $ 10 court fee for the inspection sticker ticket). I paid the $ 10 and was no longer a criminale~! Thank you, merciful ADA.
The bailiff was super nice to me on my way out, and he asked what I do. We had a nice little chat, and he complimented me on «looking professional.»
TIPS to make this easier for yourself:
1. Seriously, dress appropriately for court. It’s in the paperwork. If you are not properly dressed, your court date may be rescheduled.
2. Bring supporting documentation/​proof. Just saying your license is no longer suspended, that you paid your toll fees/​fines, or had insurance isn’t going to cut it. Bring it in. I almost feel ridiculous mentioning it but so many people didn’t.
3. Court dates are scheduled nearly a month after you get your ticket. I would make sure you have enough to pay your court fees or any fines, so that you don’t have to come back and pay them later.
All in all, a positive experience at the courthouse! Everyone was nice and friendly, the process was relatively quick and efficient, and the air conditioning was super cold. :)

Court date: February 21, 11:15 a.m. I get here at 10:15 because in no ways in h3ll did I want to be late, anybody in his right mind will take these court times serious.
Parking is ample, if you have lots of money in your pocket. Expect to pay an average of $ 8 to $ 15 depending on how long you have the pleasure of staying in here.
The building is pretty small compared to other court houses that you are looking for. It is about five or six stories and if you drive by too fast you will miss the 1302 on the door.
Well Mr. Patronella, I’m here again to pay my random tax that I should soulfully blame myself I reckon? Well, I guess that’s what I deserve for killing a cock roach as I stepped off of a curb while jay walking across the street earlier heading to the corner bar with a 40 already in my hand while smoking a laced grape blunt and carrying an expired student visa card in my pocket that was used to compact two roaches to toke that I had in my wallet right? Well, not really, everybody around me was driving too slow so I got bored of being part of the pack and wanted to take a little free spirited initiative to break the pack that would not deform for 3 freaking miles, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR CAR, BEFORE YOU ENTER, leave anything metal that you have on you to save you time and embarrassment because you will be greeted by the metal detector nazis. You all have seen Seinfeld’s «Soup Nazi» correct? Don’t BS me, everybody has seen it, if you havn’t, check out a smidgen of it on you tube. Anyways, you most likely will have to take off your belt, put your wallet, your keys, phone, pager (do people still own these?), loose coin and if you have metal in your shoes, yes you will have to take those off too… so you better be darned sure you didn’t bring your socks that have holes in them unless you want to be used as entertainment value of the moment.
Got a Prince Albert? Yes, that will be detected too and don’t think they won’t make you take those off as well (no, I don’t have one and never will, don’t ask).
After you proceed from there commence with putting your clothing articles back on like you just got raped in a public building and try not to make a scene because 10 feet across the room there is an armed constable standing there looking at you in case you make a sudden move for that gum you had in your pocket, I said GUM.
Glad I got through that, being nervous not knowing what is going to happen to you in there is enough to make you want to go and wash your face, well I did, and you know what? Some sadistic janitor decided it would be cool to not stock the facilities with paper towels, that’s fine, I’ll just wipe my face and hands on my sleeve, splashing water on my shirt and pants and water getting on my front side making it looked like I pee’d on myself or something, great.
Finally made my way to the room, it’s not hard to find, it’s the only one with the benches/​pews. Advice, remove your hat, don’t bring newspapers or anything to read, don’t bring food/​drinks especially gum, crying babies or even guests, handle it like a man (or woman) and go yourself, the last time I went there was no room, standing room only, if you are not there for court and are coming along for support, you will be axed to stay outside (ok, the clerk or whatever she was said she will have to axe instead of ask people to leave).
Pleasantry, like I said, I got there an hour early and what seemed like the lead lady there asked me and two others if we were there for the 11 a. m docket (at least for me but we all were), I told her that I understand I will be here a long time that I just did not want to be late, she escorted me outside to the pay line and said I might not have to wait all this time, she was really nice! (no sarcasm there). It was her first time being the court leader (I do not know what they are called) and I give her service a 5 star rating, really. I told her my situation that I am there again to plead to the judge and hope that he hears my case on why something happened and she acknowledged that that might be a different happening. She took me to the window to verify my information (documents) and took me back to the benches. She went to confer with the judge, came back and escorted me out of the court room again. She whispered in my ear «This is a rare case but you need to keep your documents up to date/​current because this usually NEVER happens, you are dismissed». I wanted to hug her! I wanted to pick her up in a bear hug, turn a circle and scream… but I did not want to be thrown across the street at that «other» place where you have to make bail.
I can’t see me giving here anything more than three stars because really who likes going to court? So it’s A ok, because of the five star service that the lead/​head lady did for me. I guess a lot of «Yes ma‘am» «No ma‘‘am» «Thank you ma‘am» might have helped. Five star for her service.