So I just almost got arrested

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

I don't get it. How were you trespassing? Don't take this the wrong way, but it sounds like there has to be more to this story. It doesn't make sense otherwise.

lostrib

railroad tracks are private property

It's doubtful that a police officer would give a shit about walking near a railroad even when he isn't doing anything, let alone when he's actually focused on another matter at hand.

There is probably more to this story than the TC is letting on.

EDIT: Just read the other messages.

Chances are yes, the cop was embarrassed.

[QUOTE="leviathan91"]

Gamespot lawyers lack creditinalworlock77

Hey, I took my bar exam.

Lionel Hutz has more credential than anyone here.

[QUOTE="BeardMaster"]

Sounds like the cop saw you avoiding him and thought you were doing so because you had a warrant or were doing something illegal. When he was wrong he seemed a little butthurt and rather than just saying he was wrong (like a cop would ever do that) gave you a ticket and proceeded to try to make it seem like he was being a nice guy by not arresting you.

 

Goto court and explain it to the prosecuter/judge they might just throw it out.

br0kenrabbit

I sure hope so. I've a clean record at age 37, it would suck to have it marred over this shit.

You wont have a record, i know my state (and i think most) usually has a first time offender policy where if you dont get arrested within a certain time frame they just drop the charge.

Although would be better if you didnt have to burn through your first time offender status, and they just throw it out altogether.

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]Seriously dude, I'm sure you'll be fine once you explain it. Next time don't look so suspicious though. :P

br0kenrabbit

Remember all those stories I've told about the cops around here harassing me but never being able to charge me with anything? Well, here you go.

[QUOTE="br0kenrabbit"]

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]Seriously dude, I'm sure you'll be fine once you explain it. Next time don't look so suspicious though. :P

Allicrombie

Remember all those stories I've told about the cops around here harassing me but never being able to charge me with anything? Well, here you go.

is worlock a legal guyDavesAlt

No.

I was walking in town as I often do, and I came up near an intersection to see three cop cars and another vehicle pulled over. Two cop cars were on one side of the road, the other cruiser and car on the other. I didn't want to walk between them because I had no idea what was going on, so I hop off the road and started walking along (not on) the railway aiming for the parellel road 15 feet down the line.

One of the cops takes off and starts running toward me, grabs me and with a hand behind my back walks me to his car. Long story short I'm being charged with Misdemeanor Criminal Trespass (TCA 39-14-405) and have to appear in court. He said he would have arrested me if I had anything on my record (I don't).

So WTF? What should I expect in court? What should I do...should I argue or just whatever? I don't know.

br0kenrabbit

You got screwed man, that cop could of let you off with a warning, most of the ones around here wouldn't have even bothered.

I almost got arrested for calling a cop a donut eating pig once, it was hilarious.

Gamespot lawyers lack creditinal so speak to an actual lawyer. It seems like a huge misunderstanding so try to find a good lawyer that will actually help you in a way that you don't get convicted or not settle for a plea bargin.

leviathan91

I don't get it. How were you trespassing? Don't take this the wrong way, but it sounds like there has to be more to this story. It doesn't make sense otherwise.

Pirate700

This.

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

I don't get it. How were you trespassing? Don't take this the wrong way, but it sounds like there has to be more to this story. It doesn't make sense otherwise.

lostrib

railroad tracks are private property

I don't get it. How were you trespassing? Don't take this the wrong way, but it sounds like there has to be more to this story. It doesn't make sense otherwise.

Pirate700

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

I don't get it. How were you trespassing? Don't take this the wrong way, but it sounds like there has to be more to this story. It doesn't make sense otherwise.

2ndWonder

[QUOTE="leviathan91"]

Gamespot lawyers lack creditinal so speak to an actual lawyer. It seems like a huge misunderstanding so try to find a good lawyer that will actually help you in a way that you don't get convicted or not settle for a plea bargin.

Addict187

Or he could forgo a lawter and possibly wind up getting screwed. Yeah, it sucks that he'd be out for doing nothing wrong, but that's how life goes sometimes.

Well dam that sucks man.Also why the hell are Cops in the states seem to off their meds,or need meds:P.I live in Canada and I seen the Cops Toronto do some pretty stupid stuff already.

Reminds me why I am staying a Lead Security Offficer.

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

I don't get it. How were you trespassing? Don't take this the wrong way, but it sounds like there has to be more to this story. It doesn't make sense otherwise.

2ndWonder

Did something like that ever make into the news.Thats really messed up.

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

I don't get it. How were you trespassing? Don't take this the wrong way, but it sounds like there has to be more to this story. It doesn't make sense otherwise.

2ndWonder

What in the hell :lol:

honestly that's messed up. Someone needs to remind these cops their job entitles to SERVE and PROTECT. Not to Bust and to Collect Bail.

Railroad rights of way distances can vary depending on location. I have seen values of 50 to 66 feet or 25 to 33 feet from the centerline of the tracks. One would think that any police department could enforce them. Most lines are posted though some signs may have faded depending on age. I know CSX here where I live has some track fenced off with no signs that I have seen, but further up the line in either direction, it isn't. CSX has a problem with people walking the tracks here in Marietta and getting killed due to it.

Without knowing the number of fatalities where you live, that could be why you were cited. 

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

I don't get it. How were you trespassing? Don't take this the wrong way, but it sounds like there has to be more to this story. It doesn't make sense otherwise.

Rattlesnake_8

railroad tracks are private property

If they're areas marked for crossing the railroad tracks, then no. That's not illegal

Did something like that ever make into the news.Thats really messed up.

Promised_Trini

What in the hell :lol:

honestly that's messed up. Someone needs to remind these cops their job entitles to SERVE and PROTECT. Not to Bust and to Collect Bail.

ReadingRainbow4

You should have made a run for it.

Are you black TC?Shottayouth13-

White as the driven snow.

[QUOTE="br0kenrabbit"]

[QUOTE="caseypayne69"]Sounds like a couple of Judge Dredds over their. I'd research the law he is referring too. Can't trust a lawyler now days. They just one to bleed you dry. Make sure its a all together fee. You said you didn't get arrested so why would you have to appear in court? I'm confused.BeardMaster

He just said "If you have anything on your record I'm going to arrest you" and then went and called me in, then he came back and said "I'm not going to arrest you today if you promise me that you'll show up for your court date."

Sounds like the cop saw you avoiding him and thought you were doing so because you had a warrant or were doing something illegal. When he was wrong he seemed a little butthurt and rather than just saying he was wrong (like a cop would ever do that) gave you a ticket and proceeded to try to make it seem like he was being a nice guy by not arresting you.

In which case, he accosted you with no legal reason or probable cause. Which is a crime, on his part. Fight the charge, and sue the police department, and also the officer, personally. Bleed those power hungry cocksuckers for as much settlement money as the state can cough up.

[QUOTE="Shottayouth13-"]Are you black TC?br0kenrabbit

White as the driven snow.

[QUOTE="Shottayouth13-"]Are you black TC?br0kenrabbit

White as the driven snow.

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

[QUOTE="m0zart"]

I am a little confused from the description vs. the charge. Were you actually trespassing?

You should call your lawyer.

m0zart

If I remember correctly, railroad tracks are private property

I've walked along them pretty much all my young life back in Virginia -- nearly 20 years worth before I left. Never seemed to have any issue.

I guess things change.

Hell, I played on them as a kid...leave coins on the rails to make cool deformed pennies and quarters....or just waive to the conductors and make them blow the horn

[QUOTE="Shottayouth13-"]Are you black TC?br0kenrabbit

White as the driven snow.

That's why I just walk right through the police as if they weren't there, they can tell me to go around if that's what they want.

Appear in court or get an attorney.

Were the officers blackDavesAlt

Not in this town.

Appear in court or get an attorney.

EagleEyedOne

Yup. Calling one up tomorrow.

[QUOTE="EagleEyedOne"]

Appear in court or get an attorney.

br0kenrabbit

Yup. Calling one up tomorrow.

lol its funny thats what tax dollars go too. **** cops are retarded

lol its funny thats what tax dollars go too. **** cops are retarded

akdiuuuryttt

[QUOTE="akdiuuuryttt"]

lol its funny thats what tax dollars go too. **** cops are retarded

EagleEyedOne

ok well some cops are retarded

[QUOTE="akdiuuuryttt"]

lol its funny thats what tax dollars go too. **** cops are retarded

EagleEyedOne

[QUOTE="EagleEyedOne"][QUOTE="akdiuuuryttt"]

lol its funny thats what tax dollars go too. **** cops are retarded

JJ_Productions

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

I don't get it. How were you trespassing? Don't take this the wrong way, but it sounds like there has to be more to this story. It doesn't make sense otherwise.

2ndWonder

[QUOTE="EagleEyedOne"][QUOTE="akdiuuuryttt"]

lol its funny thats what tax dollars go too. **** cops are retarded

JJ_Productions

Just because you've never needed them to directly help you, doesn't mean they don't indirectly help you.

[QUOTE="JJ_Productions"][QUOTE="EagleEyedOne"] "Cops are retarded" until they are on your side.toast_burner

Just because you've never needed them to directly help you, doesn't mean they don't indirectly help you.

[QUOTE="toast_burner"]

[QUOTE="JJ_Productions"] Never once had the police on my side. Don't need them.JJ_Productions

Just because you've never needed them to directly help you, doesn't mean they don't indirectly help you.

You were fined five million dollars?

Although assuming that was a typo, I still find your story unlikely - or at least, it feels like you aren't telling the complete story.

Then again, I've never had any problems with the police whatsoever (despite spending a lot of time wandering/driving around the city after midnight), so I'm more inclined to think that the police don't seem all that bad.

[QUOTE="BeardMaster"]

Sounds like the cop saw you avoiding him and thought you were doing so because you had a warrant or were doing something illegal. When he was wrong he seemed a little butthurt and rather than just saying he was wrong (like a cop would ever do that) gave you a ticket and proceeded to try to make it seem like he was being a nice guy by not arresting you.

Goto court and explain it to the prosecuter/judge they might just throw it out.

br0kenrabbit

I sure hope so. I've a clean record at age 37, it would suck to have it marred over this shit.

I am glad you at least didn't get arrested.

I applied for that Global Entry pass recently so I could more easily get through customs and immigrations, which the last three or four trips has been a four hour nightmare in a large room without air conditiong. I had to go in for an inverview to qualify. I was asked "Have you ever been arrested?", so I joked and said "Never convicted of anything." She said "No, I said arrested. Have you ever been arrested?"

I said no, because I haven't. Then I had to ask the inevitable question -- why does it matter if I have been arrested. False arrests happen all the time. She said that any arrests could bar me from qualification, even if any charges were dropped or resolved without conviction or a guilty plea, which means even if the arrest was a mistake.

I was surprised and disappointed. An arrest record apparently is worse than I thought.