A Reader Writes...

Posted Wednesday, December 6, 2006

 E-mail this page    Printer-friendly page

To the City of Roswell,

I attended traffic court today, Tuesday, December the 5th at 8:30am.

Just a note to tell you how grateful I am of Judge Maurice Hilliard and prosecutor Milton Barwick.

There's is no easy task, but I believe they are very professional and more importantly, humane as they conduct court.

I, like everyone else, was apprehensive as I awaited my turn, but I started to smile as Judge Hilliard

doled out his advice. He didn't browbeats us, he didn't look down on us, but he gave us what appeared to be

grandfatherly advice. No, we didn't expect or necessarily receive leniency, but I also didn't expect the judge to spend 45 minutes

of the courts time to insure all the different cases were going to be properly represented and

that all individuals knew where they stood with regards to the law.

Most recommendations didn't apply to me, but I was warmed as a Roswell resident that an official could

show concern for people in traffic court. He was informative, funny, and yet very efficient with his time.

Prosecutor Milton Barwick also was very professional and human at the same time. He gave me the opportunity

to speak my case, again without looking down on me or the others before me. All were watching.

Everyone is a little ashamed being in court--what a breath of fresh air to have professionals to work with.

I LOVE the 12 hours of community service option--Thank you Roswell!!

When you consider the lost 1/2 workday for attending court and the $50 court fee, the additional 12hours of service ,

probably is enough to send the message home about minor traffic violations. It shows also that the city is concerned more

about laws being followed than revenue collecting. The apparent 17 year old seated in front of me with both his parents got this

option-. Somehow I think, no-I know--it will be effective.

I wanted to volunteer for service but couldn't (I had a previous ticket).

(Any chance of allowing a three or five year with no tickets renewal of this?

Anyway, we citizens complain much of the time, and I thought it necessary to step up and report a job well done!

Thanks, Tom Moyer

PS.
Mine was a ticket for going through a light as it turned from yellow to red at Mansell and Alpharetta Hwy.
Don't try to race a yellow with cars turning and traffic slowing--plan on stopping.

Discuss this story in our forum...


Sponsored Links: