Writing Solutions

"We Can Right It For You"

3/1/00

IT'S HARD TO LOVE GOVERNMENT

Being innocent, I was hopeful that the charges against me would be dropped. I was exonerated, but the victory was not without its frustrations. My driving record remains blemish less and my checking account is not out the proposed fine of $281.00 (plus court costs). This feat of justice did not occur because the judge said, "Not guilty," but because the officer didn't show up.

I should be happy that this two-month odyssey of throbbing annoyance and anticipation is over. On that level I am. However, after this experience, it's really difficult to respect the efficiency and effectiveness of our government. In this case, with my digits trembling, I point my finger at the County of Riverside.

Did I mention that I had to give up two half days in order for this case to be: first arraigned, then heard? Okay, consider it mentioned. At the arraignment (please don't lose sight of the fact that this is traffic, not superior court), I was bound over for trial (a hearing) and told I had to post bail of $200.

I gulped and realized I was in the middle of a cash flow crisis, so I opted the credit card route. For a service charge of 1.90% per hundred dollars, I was allowed to post my bail while earning frequent flyer miles. Now I ask you, isn't America wonderful?

My husband accuses me of asking too many questions. I don't think I do. I only ask something when I don't know the answer. For instance… I asked the clerk at the traffic window, "Do you process the charge, or do you wait until resolution of my traffic dispute?" "That's a good question," he said and trotted off the find the answer. (They process it immediately).

Okay, I said to myself as I screwed up my courage, "what happens if I'm found innocent, how do I get my money back? Do you enter a credit on my Visa card, or do you send me a check?" I heard the squeak in his chair as he turned to get up and seek the answer.

He returned and looked embarrassed. "If you're found not guilty, you will be issued a check in eight to ten weeks." He didn't have the heart to look me in the eye. My promise to my husband that I would 'behave myself' was immediately forgotten. I took a deep breath and paused. "Okay, I assume Riverside County will be paying me interest, as they would be using my money for over two months, right?"

Again, his chair groaned as he went in search of an answer to my question. This time when he returned he made absolutely no attempt to make eye contact. "No," he said looking over my right shoulder. "Next," in intoned looking at the next person in line.

Here's my problem- I've had to borrow money to pay my credit card bill. I was fine until I had to deal with the extra burden of the $200 bail and the $3.90 service charge. Even the commissioner said that I would be getting a check in about sixty days.

I started to ask him if he would like to wait sixty days to get his own money back --- without interest, but thought better of it as I felt Bill breathing down my neck.

If the county can figure out how to accept my check or charge my account in one single visit, then I see no reason why they can't return it the same way. If more than 10 days elapse from the court order, then I should be paid interest.

Because this makes sense, it's more than likely it will never happen. Excuse me, I see my ride approaching. It's time for Peter Pan, Wendy and me to be off to never-never land.

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