Operating a vehicle on grass?

[bl@ckvr4]

I recently went to a local park to take pictures of one of my cars. I pulled the car up close to the lake to take some better pictures. There was still some snow on the ground and the car ended up getting stuck in the snow. An officer came by while I was trying to get the car out and issued me a summons to appear in court.

The description of the offense states "Operating a motor vehicle on the grass at strawbridge lake" The regulation/statue reads 125-3C. This was in Moorestown, NJ. I am required to appear in court on March 23. My question is, what should I expect? Any particular actions I should take? I in no way shape or form was there to damage any property or do anything mischievous. The grass that I had the car parked on wasn't on anyone's front lawn or anything of that nature.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[bl@ckvr4]

I also forgot to mention. To my knowledge, there are no signs in the area stating that parking on grass is prohibited.

[Bane]

not ignoring ya bud, im just not from that side of the creek so I cant really help you out, Scout said he knows NJ stuff maybe hell chime in im not familiar with the citation number

but as for what to expect, just head to court and tell the judge what you posted here, you didnt damage anything you were just taking pictures

[bl@ckvr4]

Originally Posted by Bane

not ignoring ya bud, im just not from that side of the creek so I cant really help you out, Scout said he knows NJ stuff maybe hell chime in im not familiar with the citation number

but as for what to expect, just head to court and tell the judge what you posted here, you didnt damage anything you were just taking pictures

No, it's quite alright. I know it's kind of a strange situation. I just received a notice in the mail that the location of the court is going to be changed to Maple Shade. I noticed on there that my violation number is different than the one I received on the original ticket. The new one reads 108-2B.

Do you recommend that I bring the photos to court? Would that help my case?

[scout]

hey, bud

i was lookin through my nj vehicle code and crimes code, but found no violation number that matches the ones you're saying. it might be a local ordinance... like bane said just go before the court with what you said here. sorry i couldn't get more info for you

[scout]

I just double checked and the only thing i can find remotely close is title 39:4-97a agricultural, recreational property protected: basically says no person shall operate a motor vehicle in a manner which causes destruction of agricultural crops, fences, fields or other agricultural or recreational property (rec. property- any public or private property used as a golf course, PARK, or other similar purpose)

[bl@ckvr4]

Originally Posted by scout

hey, bud

i was lookin through my nj vehicle code and crimes code, but found no violation number that matches the ones you're saying. it might be a local ordinance... like bane said just go before the court with what you said here. sorry i couldn't get more info for you

Originally Posted by scout

I just double checked and the only thing i can find remotely close is title 39:4-97a agricultural, recreational property protected: basically says no person shall operate a motor vehicle in a manner which causes destruction of agricultural crops, fences, fields or other agricultural or recreational property (rec. property- any public or private property used as a golf course, PARK, or other similar purpose)

I was thinking it was something local as well. I really do appreciate you taking some time and researching this for me. One thing I was wondering about. Are they allowed to change the violation like that? My original ticket/court summons stated a violation code 125-3C and then they suddenly change it to 108-2B.

I guess my last question would be if it would be a good idea to bring the pictures to court? I plan on acquiring a public defender to help me out, since I can't afford an attorney. College will do that to you. Haha. I have a 100% clean record with no criminal history what-so-ever. I'm hoping the judge will be understanding.

Thank you guys so so so much for your help. It's good to know that you guys are out there and are readily willing to help us common folk.

[bl@ckvr4]

Since this topic had a lot of views, I just wanted to share with you guys what went down. I just got back from court. I got hit with a $150 fine plus court fees. The total came up to $189. The judge informed me that the maximum fine associated with this violation was $2000. Needless to say, I was relieved. Thanks again to scout and Bane for all of their help!