My question involves traffic court in the State of: California
Hi, I have been commuting from Orange County to Los Angeles, every weekend, for the past 5 years on the Metrolink. I've had a prior history of fare evasion on the LA Metro subway sometime in 2005/2006.
I board a Metrolink train today (10/24/10), and for the first time in 5 years,
forgot to validate the ticket. I immediately boarded the train, resumed
reading a book, and eventually drifted off to sleep. Mid-way between stations
an officer conducted a ticket check, and only at that point did I notice
I forgot to validate. It was a completly unused 10-trip ticket purchased the
previous day (10/23).
I have the last 10-trip ticket, which shows consistent validation, every
weekend except for certain days when I received a ride home from a colleague.
I want to fight this in court, perhaps appease the judge for a lesser fine.
I don't feel guilty, but just absent minded.
All tickets I purchase are reimbursed by my company, and so I have no reason
or intention to evade ticket fare.
Any recommendations or strategies on stating my case to the judge.
Should I plead not guilty, or no contest?
Thanks.

