Posted on 04/14/2005 8:45:45 PM PDT by dnewman
I received a speeding ticket in Franklin County. My fault, I own it, admit and payed it. When I contacted the clerk of courts, they told me the fine was $55 and the fees were $75 for a total of $130. I understand the fine but when I complained about the fees I finally received an itemized list. It included 2 references to electronic filing, county filing fees, and get this - Victim of Crimes fund, Building security, and public defender fees! I couldn't believe it. I payed online, with a credit card, never set foot in the building, or seen anyone except the officer. What gives? Is it normal for states and local governments to run up additional taxes on traffic violations? Because I was speeding I get taxed twice for a public defender? for their facilty security? for the victims of crime fund? This just does not seem right! Are other states or other parts of Ohio like this? Or am I just blessed to work in such perfectly efficient area of government? I tried to E-mail some of the people "in charge" but apparently they do not accept E-mails from the public. ANY advice on how to correct this obvious wrong would be appreciated. I'm not trying to get out of paying the ticket, just seems their priorities are really wrong.
In Franklin county, if you don't drive 5 - 10 over the speed limit you are obstrucking traffic. This particular morning I was passing a truck and was doing 15 and this was when he clocked me. I usually only drive 5 over. The issue however, is not the speeding ticket as I clearly stated before my issue was with the FEES and where the money was going.
I ain't gonna pay it! haha
We now have a "speeding in a residential area" fee, that is $200, on any ticket.
Ohio has a reputation for gouging travellers on the highways, especially the Turnpike. 65mph? Please. The highway is designed for 80mph. The Ohio Highway Patrol is a revenue collection squad.
By the way, Ohio is a hotbed for radar detector manufacturers... I wonder why?
Fees are the least offensive of the lot inasmuch as one notionally receives some service (administrative or otherwise) for the fee, albeit one that could be had at a much lower rate in the private sector, and the government employee whose salary you already pay, acts as though he or she is doing you the biggest favor in the world while performing that service.
Fines and taxes are both levies assessed by the regulators so that you may act within their bailiwick of regulation (i.e., earn income, own property, purchase goods and services, exceed the speed limit, etc.)and perform those activities which they regulate. Sometimes these are compounded with Fees when you have to defray the administrative cost of receiving a license to perform an activity (i.e., work in certain professions) which is then taxed.
As far as I can tell, the fundamental difference between taxes and fines is that fines are usually much lower.
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