WASHINGTON, D.C.—Nate Cox received a notification in his mail last year that would intimidate most U.S. citizens. According to the Washington D.C. DMV, Cox’s car was caught speeding on camera. The Photo-Enforced Speeding ticket captures Cox’s car, complete with its abundant libertarian bumper stickers and “ENDW4R” license plate.
The DMV clearly didn’t know who they were dealing with.
“I am in the habit of not taking ‘plea deals’, and I am always in the habit of fighting my tickets and NOT pre-paying them so I don’t have to go to court – like many folks do,” Cox said in his post on VirginiaCopBlock.org.
“[T]hese criminals issuing these tickets are hoping that the people will just get scared and pay, or not want to waste their time with it. However the government has to provide evidence that it was actually ME driving, it’s their burden of proof. Just because they got pictures of my car doesn’t mean I was driving. So, in response to the first letter, I mailed them back the following letter:
To Whom it May Concern,
I received a letter claiming I committed a violation of a speeding law in the District of Columbia on 04/21/2012. As per the instructions, I am writing to plead ‘not guilty’ to this charge. Although this option is said to result in this matter going to court; it is my suggestion that the charges simply be dropped. This suggestion comes out of respect for tax payers, and my request that their hard-earned money not be wasted in such proceedings. As there is no evidence of my involvement with this alleged ‘crime’, as well as the fact that I am not granted my 6th amendment right to face my ‘accuser’ (a camera); I see no way the government could prove my guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. I also see find no legal requirement for me to implicate someone else in this process, as it is the government’s responsibility to prove a person’s guilt. It is also my 5th amendment right to remain silent on the matter.
If it is the government’s decision to move forward in this matter, I would request copies of any evidence the prosecution may have of my involvement in the “offense”; as well as, all maintenance records for the camera(s) involved.
Sincerely,
Nathan Cox
United States Army Veteran
After sending that letter, Cox received this dubious post card:
Finally, over six months later, Cox was informed that his ticket had been completely dismissed for “the government’s failure to meet its burden of proof”. He was understandably thrilled that he’d won his fight against his ticket, and encourages others to do the same, saying, “If there is NO VICTIM, there is NO CRIME!”
212 comments