Legal Question in Traffic Law in Illinois

Corrupt Officer - Parking Ticket

Last night two friends and I parked our car at a meter outside a restaurant where we were eating. After about 30 minutes, a police officer came in and asked us if that was our car. I told him it was mine and he told me he had just issued a ticket for interfering with snow removal. I pointed out that the sign reads that the snow removal ordinance only applies when there is 2 or more inches of snow and there hadn't been any snow on the ground for days (nor was it snowing at the time). He laughed and said I was welcome to challenge the ticket in court. He also taunted me repeatedly asking what I intended to do about it. After I went out to the car, there was a $50 parking ticket for parking in a no-parking/no standing zone (it didn't mention snow removal). There are no signs prohibiting parking other than the snow removal sign. I could challenge it, but I'm concerned that the officer simply recorded that the car was in a different spot that actually was no-parking. Is it worth my time and money to challenge this or will it simply come down to the officer's word against mine, in which case I'll lose? Thanks.


Asked on 1/28/03, 1:20 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Lawrence Falli Falli Law Offices

Re: Corrupt Officer - Parking Ticket

Take pictures of the whole street, showing all the signs. Bring the pictures with you to court. Tell the prosecutor and judge where your car was, and if the pictures bear out your story you should be able to win. Often, the officer doesn't even come to court for parking tickets.

Thus, it's his word written, versus yours, spoken, with pictures.

Good luck.

Read more
Answered on 1/29/03, 11:53 am
Charles Dobra Charles Wm. Dobra, Ltd.

Re: Corrupt Officer - Parking Ticket

Let me guess...you were in the City of Chicago where you are in violation of the Snow Ordinance even if there isn't snow. How much money do you have to fight this???

Read more
Answered on 1/28/03, 4:51 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Traffic Law questions and answers in Illinois