I received a warning for the NC sticker, The boat letter and the throwable. I received a ticket for the fire extinguisher and for the life jacket at $312.00 total fines. I started to prepare my case and gather evidence. The fire extinguisher was the easy part NC law states that a self contained fuel tank on a motor does not require a extinguisher which I told the officer when he was writing the ticket. The life jacket issue and indeed both the warnings and the tickets were pretty easy. The officer had given the tickets to the wrong man. I was in a truck pulling the boat trailer to the landing my 17 1/2 year son was the captain and the operator of the Hobie Cat. Court day arrived and I went to court with all my evidence, I had a good feeling it would turn out OK little did I know. The DA called me up and asked how do you plea I said not guilty I had to sign a letter that I requested no lawyer. The DA then said the NC Wildlife Officers were not in court and could I come back another day, I said I was ready for trial. Then the DA said that this would require a JURY trial at a latter date I again said I was ready for trial. The Judge then said exactly what is this man charged with. The DA repeated the charges The Judge then said I know this man He is a good Man. This case is over. The End I always carry much more safety stuff than required except this on morning in July Both my son and I have taken the safe boating course and are very good sailers and power boaters.
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