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If you put aside the premise that its a revenue issue (and it is) for a moment and consider that a fine is meant to be a punitive device, it is accomplishing that intended purpose. Had the fine been $25 you likely would have said "Chump change", patd it and never thought about it again. Aroundhere that ticket would have been in the $175-200 range.
I was in court today with a young woman who got caught shoplifting a $40 item. I spoke with the store manager prior to court and considering some mitigating circumstances, he agreed to drop the charges if she would pay the court costs of $246.00. Thew judge refused to allow him to drop the charges and hit my client with an $1100.00 (reduced from $1800.00) fine and three days (reduced from 15 days) in jail. Seemed excessive for a first offense. Nevertheless, I guarantee it was viewed as punitive by my client.
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