Wednesday, 06/25, from Caren

So I had Court yesterday. The Magistrate wasn't very patient or understanding and refused to accept numerous pieces of evidence I brought copies of. He refused to look at pictures, he denied my right to ask questions to the "witness" that did show. The other one didn't show at all. I could go on and on. Very emotionally spent indeed. It was an informal hearing before a Magistrate. I am appealing his decision, which takes it to a real "Judge" in a FORMAL hearing with a Court Reporter and everything. It seems like the Informal was very informal and you don't seem to have a lot of rights afforded to you in a formal hearing or "real" court. I could say a LOT about this whole experience, but out of respect of brevity, which I truly suck at, especially lately......I won't. Although I do want to say the Officer appeared to be compassionate and answered the questions I did ask him (which we had prewritten) directly and forthrightly (if that is even a word). 

Austin recognized him right away by the way, and said hello to him in the hallway. He said the Office spoke back to him. That part was nice.

I will say THIS...... it's $125.00 to file the appeal and then I WILL NEED TO HIRE A TRAFFIC ATTORNEY - so anywhere from $400-600.00. I have 7 days to appeal from yesterday.....

I was not allowed to have anyone ask questions, speak for me, or assist me, and I had to ask all the questions myself, per the Court before we even started. This was TOTAL OVERLOAD for my brain and emotions because despite the Magistrate being aware of my challenges - he was not receptive to them - or that was the perception of not just me in the room. 

Anyhow, trying to deal with feeling mentally slow and angry at my brain for not processing things fast enough for my needs.....it was worse than what I expected....but then again, I am not sure I even knew what to expect to begin with....