Legal Question in Traffic Law in Idaho
Misdemeanor - in park after closure
I was meeting friends and they were not at the place we were to meet, so I drove through a nearby park because I thought I saw my friends truck enter the park. It was at twilight, not dark. I was cited for being in a park after closure. No time was written on the citation, and the officer wrote the year 2000 not 2001 on the citation for the hearing date. The park entrance does not state no admittance after dark. I am curious what the max fine could be, and if I need an attourney to represent me to fight the ticket.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Misdemeanor - in park after closure
Go back and clearly photograph all entrances and signs around the point at which you entered.
Did you have a witness with you?
Write a statement while your memory is fresh of everything which happened, including the time of day and the situation of the sun, etc.
Go to court and tell the judge your story and hope for the best. Take your evidence with you.
good luck.
Re: Misdemeanor - in park after closure
Staying in the park after it closes is a violation
of Boise City Code (BCC) section 9-14-05(H). There
is nothing in the code regarding darkness, just after
the park is closed.
Violating this ordinance is a general misdemeanor
with a possible penalty of a $300 fine and 6
months in jail.
Anytime it is possible for you to be convicted
of a crime, including a misdemeanor, it is wise to
have an attorney. The attorney will see possible
defenses and know how to effectively use the defenses.
An old adage from law school is appropriate here:
"One who represents himself has a fool for a client."
Misdemeanors stay on your permanent criminal
record and count against you should you be charged
with another crime.