NYC Ticket Judges

MYFOXNY.COM - If you’ve ever received an unfair parking ticket, it’s sometimes easier to pay it than fight it.

Some judges admit that they agree it is a problem.

Most of us believe that when we go before a judge, even if it is in a place like the parking violations bureau, the judge will be fair. But some judges at parking violations say that it is often difficult for them to give you a fair deal.

A judge, who did not want to be identified, said, “Justice and fairness is not at a high level of priority.”

He, and other judges, told Fox 5 exclusively that they are upset because they often can't be fair to motorists.

3 judges and a former judge told Fox 5 that judges have to handle a certain number cases each hour. It could reach 10 tickets an hour in a courtroom or 70 by mail.

An unidentified judge says, “The bottom line is that the parking violations bureau is part of the agency that is charged with making money.”

Judges say is they don’t meet ticket quotas, they receive less work. That is a real threat since they are contract employees.

And what about guilty quotas? One judge claims that they are required to report how many tickets they decide are not guilty.

He says, “You are less willing to stick your neck out.”

Judges say they just don't have time to dig into cases and check the law.

Links to two related court cases:

• Ko v. NYC Dept. of Finance
• Meyers v. NYC Dept. of Finance