<p>Actually, given that the OP had all of the accoutrements of a student, including books and a class schedule, I think the officer exhibited lack of common sense and discretion in writing him up in the first place.</p>
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<p>Exactly. Or, better yet put on your Sunday best (long sleeve shirt, khaki’s and shined shoes; make sure that the laces are tied). If you show up demonstrating respect for the court (by dressing respectfully), the judge will hopefully show you the same and toss the case.</p>
<p>Thank you all so much for your support. I truly appreciate it.</p>
<p>I’m studying part-time at UMSL to finish my degree at another university. However, I’m thinking of getting a business degree from UMSL in the near future. So, I probably will soon be a frequent rider of the St. Louis metro. I’m glad that I learned this lesson early on–which is to carry my student ID at all times, no matter what. </p>
<p>I will let you all know how the court proceedings go. </p>
<p>I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving.</p>
<p>I agree with the “fight it” crowd. It’s scary to go to court, but just be respectful and you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>Sorry this happened - hope to hear good news from you soon!</p>
<p>Another recommendation to protest the charges. Race and size, color and creed should have NO bearing. What should matter is showing respect, being calm and in control, and polite at all times.</p>
<p>Good Luck!!</p>
<p>GreenNSerene, I guessed you were black as soon as you shared your mother’s concerns. Yes, there is enough bias among many of the police and in our justice system that her concerns stem from real life.</p>
<p>But the majority of police and judges in our country are not like that. The bad apples in their professions upset them as much as it upsets us. </p>
<p>If you were my child, I’d suggest you go to court, be polite (that applies to any person, white or black), respect the judge’s office, and whatever happens happens. I’m betting the judge dismisses the charge with a recommendation that you remember to carry your ID. Oldfort is right that you’ll be out the time you spend in court. However I would look on that time in court not as a waste, but as an educational experience. Watch the process, see how it’s done, listen to the judge. You’ll learn a lot about our system, and good or bad, that can be a good thing.</p>
<p>it’s not really a question of “fight it,” but rather show up with the school id and it will be dismissed, as you’ve been told. the officer was doing his/her job, and you didn’t show your credentials, which was the accepted rule. since you do have the id, just bring it with you and it will be square. no need to be defensive or offensive, just do what you’re supposed to do. end of story. follow the rules.</p>
<p>I am not sure if it would be dropped. When we get stopped by a police, if we don’t have proof of registration or insurance we would still be fined, even if we just didn’t have it in the car.</p>
<p>Green, I’m not surprised-it’s the black students (AND adults) who get the most grief from the transit cops around here. Still, you have a good likelihood of getting it dismissed or knocked down because officers DO have the discretion to NOT write the ticket. On our light rail, you have to either buy a paper ticket or tap your pass on a scanner as you get on. If two people at once tap, sometimes the scanner doesn’t register them. My H, who is black and has been riding the same route for the last 4 years, had this happen to him recently. He had a fully valid pass and was dressed in jacket and tie. Guess which of the passengers the cop targeted? Fortunately the second cop was one who’s seen H on the same train for years and let it go. If not, H would be planning a court appearance. </p>
<p>H just left to get gas-in a hoodie and sweats. He joked that fortunately he is not a teenager or he’d be viewed with suspicion. Black males have to have a different outlook for their own safety. Good luck getting the ticket tossed.</p>