Accused of Not Stopping!

Stopper from Litchfield County, Connecticut writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

I received two letters in the mail, each stating that I did not stop for a stop sign.  They had a description of my car, my plate number, and my gender.  They have the dates and times that these offenses allegedly happened.

I have never gone through a stop sign.  We have video cameras throughout the entire complex.  Is it possible I can make them pull the tape from that date and time to exonerate me?

If it is my word against someone else’s (perhaps a security guard who doesn’t like me), what will happen?

Mister Condo replies:

Stopper, I can appreciate your concern over being cited for something you claim you didn’t do. If video cameras were in use at the dates and times in question, it should be quite simple to get to the truth of the matter. In most situations like this, it would just be your word against another resident’s or security guard’s word. If there is video evidence, you have every right to request it be presented. Of course, you have to be prepared to own up to the charges if the video tape supports their claims.

I find that the truth is often somewhere in the middle. Perhaps you let a friend borrow your vehicle? Maybe a new stop sign was installed that you were unaware of? Perhaps the security guard or other person got there story wrong or has an agenda of “getting you” because they don’t like you? Whatever the reason, it would be nice to get to the truth.

You didn’t mention what, if any, the Board has decided to take against you? Have you been asked to appear before the Board? Have you been fined? If neither action has been taken, then I would either send a quick letter back to the Board stating that you have never gone through a stop sign and that you would like to see the video surveillance tapes from the dates and times in question.

If you have been asked to appear before the Board, politely ask to see the video surveillance. If you are fined for not stopping, you have the right to appeal the fine. Let’s hope it doesn’t go that far but it should be reassuring to know that you do have rights. Best Wishes, Stopper!