Man Owed $259 for Not Wearing Bike Helmet, But Law Doesn’t Exist

Bike Example Reveals Many Issues of Big Government

by Josh Guckert

In September 2014 in Dallas, Texas, Edward Adkins received a $10 ticket for not wearing his helmet while riding his bike. However, the City Council had repealed the law a few months later, and the ticket should not have been written. Adkins only recently discovered this fact, and simply pleaded guilty at the time.

He was financially unable to pay the $10 fine. As a result, a warrant was issued for his arrest. Adkins was able to pay it off for $259.30. Said Adkins, “That’s money I do not have. I’m barely keeping food in my icebox.” He works many jobs, making about $80 a week. Adkins recently quit stealing and selling drugs in an attempt to to make an honest living. However, this situation makes him fear that he could end up back in jail.

After spending four years in the Navy, he sold drugs for a few years after he returned to Dallas to live with his ailing mother. He was also charged with assault on a public servant when he punched an undercover officer who mistook Adkins for someone else and grabbed his arm without identifying himself.

Ironically, the reason for the ordinance’s repeal was precisely because officers disproportionately issued tickets in poorer areas. However, because Adkins did not challenge the ticket in court, the system presumes him guilty. “When one side doesn’t advocate for his position, he loses by not doing anything,” said Administrative Judge for the city’s municipal courts Daniel Solis.

Adkins has since given away his bicycle, in large part because he couldn’t afford a helmet and doesn’t want to receive another ticket. In order to escape the warrant and tickets, Adkins was told he had to pay for a lawyer or the fines. However, it was unlikely that he would be able to find the money for either.

To libertarians, this represents the worst of all worlds. First, this victimless crime imposed serves only to give government more power. Second, there is an unequal application of the law against poor and minority individuals. Third, there exists a bureaucratic system stacked against citizens which punishes the well-meaning.

The situation appears eerily reminiscent of a point made by Rand Paul during the Republican debates about poor and minority Americans. While a $10 fine represents a small fee to most, the already-disadvantaged represent the groups hit hardest.

In this case, Adkins was too busy trying to live and prosper to make it to the courtroom for a frivolous charge. Now as a result, he finds himself saddled with more trouble. Meanwhile, he was only attempting to mature and get away from the toxic lifestyle which once overcame him.

UPDATE: Fortunately, following the Dallas News report, the city of Dallas voided his ticket. Adkins said he was “happy as heck to have that dismissed” and “I feel good knowing something got done about it.”