Caltrain Fair Evasion Charge

My question involves traffic court in the State of: California, county of San Mateo.

On 7/23/10 I left for the train station with 20 minutes to spare. I am disabled and use a walker. I parked in handicapped parking then had to walk quite a ways to get to the closest walkway which crossed the tracks to get to the train running in the correct direction. I then had to walk almost all the way back (parallel to the way I came down the path) to purchase a ticket. I was actually at the ticket machine when the train came. I had a choice of purchasing a ticket or getting on the train. I hadn't ridden the train for about 15 years and then I could always buy a ticket on board. I was cited for fare evasion and only received the actual courtesy notice on Saturday, 8/21. The court date is 8/31. Each time I called, no record of the citation was in the system so up to this time I hadn't been able to talk to anyone. Is there any point to appearing at court to explain my situation?

Thank you for any assistance in this matter. The fine is $380 and being on Social Security Disability I would not have deliberately tried to evade the fare but this ticket price is way out of my reach.

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Quoting sapforglam

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Is there any point to appearing at court to explain my situation?

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While your "haven't rode the train in 15 years" is not a viable defense, it might not hurt for you to appear in court and explain your financial situation to the judge.

If anything, and knowing that the penalty for fare evasion citations may include some community service requirements, it would be in your best interest to appear before the judge in hopes that that element of the penalty will be waived due to your disability.

Good luck!