My ripoff began while on a visit to the states from the overseas military base where I live, when I was ticketed for speeding in CT. The Trooper was disrespectful to me, but when he just walked back to his car while I was talking to him (I wanted to give him my correct address) I was royally offended. Later, I realized, it was 8AM - must have been time for his shift to be over.
A couple days later, I drove down from Boston to the court to at least get whatever information and forms I could get, and to find out how to request discovery on my case.
Another attempt in person to change my address was refused (ticket not in the system yet) and no one knew what discovery was nor where or how to request it. This is a basic right even a defendant in a speeding case has, but I was stone-walled about it everywhere I went in the court house.incredible! I even went to the Westbrook State Patrol Office and was politely refused any help.
When I got back to my base, I mailed my not guilty plea and change of address within the deadline and as instructed on the ticket. I have a copy of what I mailed and a certified mail receipt from the CT Infractions Bureau to prove it.
7 weeks later after no mail from the court, I got worried and called to check my status. I was now set for pretrial conference in 15 days, but still no case# and still no one knows anything about how to request discovery. I left a message with the DA office (any way to do pretrial over the phone? Or can I waive it? At least get a continuance?).
No one called me back (they cant make intl calls). I called the court clerk and was told again I cant change my address. Several wasted calls later, I explained my case to the DA and was told dont show up they will nolle the case (wont prosecute). Just wait for notification.
2 months later, I call to find my address is still wrong, but this time the clerk changed it no problem. I finally succeeded on the 6th try.
Now I have a notice that my license is suspended (ironic since I have a safe driving record since 1969) and Connecticut is extorting money from me to reinstate it. My home state wants a fee too.
The Connecticut Infractions Bureau is just a legal money extortion racket. As far as I can tell from the internet, Connecticut has no due process appeal or hearing to contest a suspension. While I'm far from home for my country, Connecticut is shooting me in the back.
Stay out of Connecticut! If Connecticut cant even change an address after several requests, imagine how screwed up everything else there is.
In late March, I'll be in the states 3 days while being sent indefinitely to another far away place on the other side of the globe from here, but I wont be able to rent a car. I'll bet it takes months to clear this mess up. Thanks Connecticut!
Oh no, I just had a horrible thought - I'll have to change my address again.
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