I received a parking violation with no way to appeal, is this legal?

Question

I failed to see a sign for a boat ramp fee when launching my boat. The fee was $3 and I didn't see it so didn't pay. I get done on the water and find a $200 fine on my windshield. There is the fine info written on one side of the envelope and the address where to send the fine on the other side. No phone number to call, court date, no way to appeal at all. Is this legal in the state of Wisconsin. What happened to innocent until proven guilty? If it was a $20 or $30 ticket I would pay but $200 is excessive. This is for a township with only one policewoman. The county they are in can't do anything so I am going to the town board meeting tonight. Can they legally do this with no way for me to fight it? Thank you.

Answer 1

Their authority to pass ordinances and levy fines is state law governing the operation of various kinds of cities, villages, etc. The law also limits the amount of fine that can be imposed. I suspect they're within the limits. Parking and other violations of the sort are generally written so that the owner is liable. I suspect that in a small township, the mayor or whatever is the essentially the judge, although the lack of a courtroom doesn't mean there's no judge and court. Ask them. I can see how you're going to fight it, though. You can't really make a convincing argument that the fine's too high. The township set the fine, and know how high it is. I suggest you pay up. Might get towed next time.  

Answer 2

There must be a way to have some sort of proceeding.  This is a citation issued by a police officer and is in violation of a town ordinance from what I gather.  There must be a due process of the law in any situation where a state law or county/town/city/village ordianance is broken.  However, I don't see you chance of beating this citation to be very high.  The I didn't see it defense is not a good excuse.  Same for the I didn't see the speed limit sign, stop sign, or pedestrian I just hit.

Answer 3

What ticket - I didn't see any ticket.  Don't pay it and wait until some "legal authority" contacts you.  

Usually parking fines are handled by a "traffic court" same that handle speeding tickets.

Answer 4

go to the PD and talk to them....

Answer 5

pay it or end up poor