Man serving jury duty fights parking ticket in court lot
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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — When Dennis Jennings began his week of Kern County jury duty, he didn’t foresee it would quickly changed from uneventful to full of drama. It all began during his lunch break on the morning of Sept. 11.
“I went to the parking lot where we were assigned to park and had a citation on the windshield.” Jennings recalled
The parking placard, which measures less than 2 inches wide, was placed on the dash and had apparently fallen to his car floor.
“I left my windows cracked, because it was warm. Possibly a gust of wind blew it down," Jennings said. "I don't know.”
He took the ticket inside the court and was eventually directed down the road to the county administrative office.
Although Jennings submitted his jury summons form and his parking pass, his request for reversal was still denied. A form letter attached didn't address his specific case, but instead contained a generic statement.
Wednesday afternoon, Eyewitness News was able to speak with Jeff Frapwell, head of the county’s general services department.
Frapwell said there is a review process in place and specific information proving jury service time is required.
“I went to the parking lot where we were assigned to park and had a citation on the windshield.” Jennings recalled
The parking placard, which measures less than 2 inches wide, was placed on the dash and had apparently fallen to his car floor.
“I left my windows cracked, because it was warm. Possibly a gust of wind blew it down," Jennings said. "I don't know.”
He took the ticket inside the court and was eventually directed down the road to the county administrative office.
Although Jennings submitted his jury summons form and his parking pass, his request for reversal was still denied. A form letter attached didn't address his specific case, but instead contained a generic statement.
Wednesday afternoon, Eyewitness News was able to speak with Jeff Frapwell, head of the county’s general services department.
Frapwell said there is a review process in place and specific information proving jury service time is required.
Funny that there are officers around to hand out citations to people trying to perform their civic duty but when your car gets broken into or vandalized in the 'jury services' parking lots you're suddenly confronted by Sgt Schultz, "I see nothing....nothing!" The county sends you a picture of the "We are not responsible" sign at the entrance to the lot... JERKS
Mr. Jennings is not the only one to have had this disheartening experience with the county. I received a similar citation in August while I served on a jury. Despite sending in the documents and telling them I was on a jury their response was...Pay up....I paid the $25 under protest as no one in their right mind would park in that lot and walk in the 100 degree heat just because!!  There was no mention of submitting a time card to prove you were actually on a jury.Â
OMG I HOPE HE'S OK
LMAO at above comment..... sometimes it just takes one smartass to put things into perspective!!!