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Sunday, September 14, 2003
Amazing Grace
A little background.. On May 15, I got pulled over and received a traffic ticket for making an illegal U-turn at the intersection of Holly St. and Industrial Rd. near my apartment in Redwood City. Besides the fact that I was not even aware of my wrong doing before I was pulled over (for many reasons, including that 1) I had never been to that intersection before, 2) the traffic light was a protected green arrow, which usually means U-turns are legal, and 3) it was late at night and I didn't notice any signs indicating otherwise), it was extra sad since the only reason I was even at that particular intersection was because I was showing a friend how to get to the freeway onramp after small group (the regular one he used was blocked off).
When I received the ticket, I decided to contest it by completing a "Trial By Declaration" form and sending it with a "Statement of the Facts" (my description of the situation). At that time, I was required to submit bail (in the amount of $122) along with my written plea. In my plea, I did not deny making the U-turn at that intersection. But my argument was based on the idea that I was not aware of the illegality of my maneuver (sort of like pleading ignorance, a defense that usually doesn't hold up in a court of law) and that the U-turn was conducted in a safe manner.
Today in the mail, I was pleasantly surprised to find a check made out for $122 from the San Mateo County Controller. My assumption is that the court found in my favor and was refunding my bail. It's truly amazing how God can work in situations. I believe that it was God's provision that allowed me to get my money back, because I had pretty much admitted wrongdoing in my plea.
12:51 AM Albert
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..a life in DUO