So today was court day. Remember the accident I had a while back? Yeah, well, today was the day I went in to face the judge about it. I plead not guilty the first time through the arainment process, simply out of one fact: I refuse to plead anything but that until I have spoken with a lawer. So I waited, and watched, and listened to the people who were there as well.
So many stories there, if you listen. A boy charged with driving without a licens tells of how he was driving a drunk friend home across his neighborhood, even though he didn't have a licens. A $500 fine is his reward for his good deed. A tearful small blond woman, with dishevled makeup and hair, watches with sadness as the judge delivers her sentance for DUI and posession: nearly 500 hours of community service and a week's jail time. A bevy of youngsters charged with minor in posession of alcohol, most of whom I imagine were busted at the same prom party, followed closely by a man charged with serving alcohol without a licens. Somehow, I can imagine they are all related to one event, though they do not talk amongst themselves.
At last, it comes time for the plee bargans to be made. I discuss things with my lawyer, note that the accident report is incorrect in stating which lane we were in, and point out how dangerous the intersection is. A quick conference with the judge, and my sentance is read: fine is suspended, no points will be added to the licens.
I walk out with a smile on my face. Sure, my insurance rates will still go up. But it gives me a chance at them going down again sooner than if I had been fined. Its over, for now, and I can go back to feeling like a decent driver again.