Court Appearance (#1)

(For context: Part 1, Part 2)

Thinking my careless driving ticket was just a "typical" traffic ticket, I went to court on the date scheduled completely unrepresented and alone. I wasn't even worried about what was going to happen. I was convinced it'd all work out. The District Attorney would offer me some lesser charge, I'd plead guilty and the whole awful mess would be behind me.

Surrounding me in the courtroom were other "defendants." But, in my arrogant mind, they were nothing like me. People accused of driving under the influence, resisting arrest, drug possession and other related charges. Many of them didn't speak English, were dressed in jeans or sweats, and were obviously repeat offenders. I was a classy, mature woman with a completely clean record having never had more than a speeding ticket before this horrible accident. I fit in more with the lawyers (and at one point was mistaken for one) than I did with my fellow defendants.

But, there I was, in line with the other defendants, one at a time talking with the DA before the judge appeared. The assistant DA called my name and pulled me aside. Turned out that the State was going to ask for a continuence (!) because they hadn't been able to contact the "victim."

(Here's a little explanation that I didn't quite understand until later: my ticket was technically a traffic offense. It had nothing to do with the pedestrian. It wasn't her suing me or charging me with anything - that would come later, ironically enough. Instead, this really was just for the traffic offense of careless driving. BUT, due to the Victim's Rights Act, the DA had to at least check in with the pedestrian and understand his/her physical status as a result of the accident before making their decision on how to proceed with the traffic charge. Yes...a little confusing. But will help as my story of this awful nightmare continues to unfold.)

I was so irritated that the ticket wasn't just settled that day. What an inconvenience! Why was this just dragging out more and more?! But, as I had no choice or control in the matter, I had to accept it. The next court appearance was scheduled for two weeks later - the Monday after Thanksgiving.