South Carolina State Police extortion racket

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by jlkklj777, Jan 22, 2009.

  1. jlkklj777

    jlkklj777 20 Year Truckload Veteran

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    Just a heads up to my fellow drivers out there. I received an overlength ticket from one of South Carolinas state troopers. The officer didn't care that my axle weights were legal he just saw me as "easy money"

    The fine was $100.00 if I paid within 28 days. I complied and sent in a money order for the fine via certified mail with return receipt requested.

    Imagine my surprise when I received a notice from the South Carolina court house informing me that I had not complied with the terms of the citation and had been tried in absentia and found guilty. They now want $228.00 from me.

    I have contacted the court house who claims it is not their problem and I must deal with the State Police. I called the State police and they informed me yes indeed they got the money order 1 day before the cut off date and apparently the officer did not check up on it and went to trial on it.

    Kind of funny considering the certified mail was signed for 2 weeks after the citation was issued.

    The officer at the State Police barracks in Blythewood SC assured me she would clear it up 2 WEEKS ago! I asked for a written statement to be sent to me stating the issue was resolved and have yet to get one.

    I called the court house today to check on the status of this and was told it has not been handled and they intend to notify my home state to suspend my drivers license. I assured the court clerk it had been paid but without the South Carolina State Police informing her the fine was paid I may be out of luck.

    Once again I contacted the State Police in Blythewood SC via phone and they at first had my name wrong in their system and then claimed they never got the money order (until I told her about the certified letter return receipt). She assures me that she will fax over the necessary paperwork to the court right away.

    I call the court back 2 hours later only to find out the clerk that handles these things has left for the day.

    Am I the only one that has had issues with the state of South Carolina not processing a paid fine in a timely manner?

    I suspect this is probably not that uncommon based on the clerk stating; "don't worry sir I do this all the time" when I implored her to fax the proof to the court clerk asap before I lose my license.
     
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2009
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  3. Kabar

    Kabar Road Train Member

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    Ever place I've ever gotten a ticket. You send the fine straight to the court. No police involved. But maybe S.C. in different.
     
  4. jlkklj777

    jlkklj777 20 Year Truckload Veteran

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    South Carolina has it all spelled out on their citations. If you pay the fine within 28 days you send the money to the Police department. In my case, the citation stated the money order was to be sent to the State Police in Blythewood SC. If the 100.00 fine was not paid within the first 28 days THEN the money order had to be sent to the court and the fine was more than doubled.

    This is why I suspect this is some kind of racket. Pay the cops and they mysteriously lose your payment or do not process it within the 28 days and then the driver gets a bill from the court house too.

    I know if this isn't cleared up by tomorrow I will be making some phone calls to Police supervisors and who ever else I can get in touch with. If that doesn't work then perhaps the media will be interested in my story.
     
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2009
  5. Kabar

    Kabar Road Train Member

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    Sound fishy to me. I've gotten tickets in. N.C.,KS,CA,OR,WA,OH,AK, and none of them do it that way.
     
  6. panhandlepat

    panhandlepat Road Train Member

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    sounds like you are on it bro!! stay on their arse!! last thing the GOV. wants is to have to "WORK"!
    just by keeping on them you will win by attrition!:yes2557:
     
  7. skibum_63

    skibum_63 Road Train Member

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    glad i belong to a drivers leagle plan
     
  8. jlkklj777

    jlkklj777 20 Year Truckload Veteran

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    Lots of plans out there. Pay 3.00 a week and you get an attorney on retainer. If you actually get a ticket they will represent you for an additional $100.00

    Or you could hire a legal service for 300.00 to fight a 100.00 ticket and still be liable in both cases for any judgements assessed by the court.

    Face it, if you get a ticket anywhere now a days it's going to cost you money. Either you pay the lawyers to try and reduce your fine or you pay the fine yourself and cut out the middleman.

    It was a misdemeanor charge to begin with and seeing this is not my first rodeo I actually have no fear going into a courtroom and defending myself.

    In my case I have documented proof I paid this fine within the allotted time frame. Through their negligence and greed all they have done is piss me off. Not smart on their part I assure you.
     
  9. creekrd

    creekrd Light Load Member

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    Actually here in SC, The money you send or give too the officer is a bond. Just a way too get money. You pay in the allotted time and that becomes your fine, Unless you decide too appear in Magistrate's court. And fight the ticket....you're right about it being a racket.
     
    jlkklj777 Thanks this.
  10. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    You beat me to it.





    When your license is suspended for a couple weeks while you clear the mess up that $3 a week and $100 if you get a ticket is gonna look cheap :yes2557: compared to the lost revenue.

    Now I agree with you that its BS for them to act that way, but this is why I use a prepaid legal.
     
  11. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    Yup...prepaid legal helped me with a ticket. The last time they helped 1988. I haven't paid them a dime since then.

    Total cost AFTER they got through. About $1500 and 4 months of lost work/wages.

    All because the issuing agency sent my license to my state, in an envelope of surrendered license. Instead of to my house.

    The hell I went through trying to prove I didn't have an AL license. :biggrin_25510: And pre-paid offered to do squat about it.

    I've paid my own way since then. With much better results.
     
    Wiseguywireless Thanks this.
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