Time is money

Today I finally went back to the San Mateo County Courthouse to sort out my Fare Evasion charge from February. I had attempted to resolve this on an earlier court date, but my convelope had not yet been received by the court. Therefore, I was given a continuance of sorts that required me to return to the court before May 19.

I approached the check-in window when I arrived at the traffic court building. After handing the clerk my citation, she told me to get into the line to enter Department D when the doors opened at 8:30. So I waited a few minutes and then the bailiff finally opened the doors. It was the usual courthouse scene, complete with Spanish interpreter.

The judge shredded through several cases, most dealing with failure to show insurance citations and a few speeding tickets. One guy pleaded guilty to J-walking and paid a $35 fine. Then it was my turn.

I approached the judge. He reminded me of my crime. Then he said the fine for Fare Evasion was $276, but "today and only today I will lower the fine to $52 if you plead guilty."

This was quite a quandary for me. I was fully intent on pleading not guilty and making the Caltrain conductor return to court to press charges against me. But given that this would require a return visit to the court for me as well, I accepted the judges offer.

There is no question in my mind I could have beaten this rap, but I guess San Mateo County has more time -- and money -- than I can afford to waste on a pathetic case like this.