My question involves criminal law for the state of: Texas
I recently parked in a hospital parking garage in Dallas. When I left the hospital, there was a citation on my windshield for parking in a reserved spot (reserved for one of the cardiology department's heads). I looked and saw that the sign that said "Reserved for Cardiology Head" had fallen off the wall and was laying flat on the ground. I did not notice the sign when I pulled in the parking spot.
This hospital has their own police dept (fully commissioned peace officers). The ticket has "Hospital District Police" on it. It is NOT a criminal citation though (the appeals process is through the hospital) and a police lieutenant there stated it was not a criminal citation (like for speeding, etc). I went down to the parking department and tried to obtain an appeal form but the lady at the window stated that she was on the appeal's committee and that there was no point in filing for an appeal because it would be denied (and the $50 fine is required to submit an appeal form). I went back and spoke with another police officer. This time, the officer told me that refusal to pay would result in "consequences" such as it "affecting your credit score, and possibly being charged for theft of services" which I thought was interesting.
With this not being a criminal citation, what could happen if I refuse to pay? I looked at the theft of service statute and I don't think it would fall underneath that. Thanks.
I recently parked in a hospital parking garage in Dallas. When I left the hospital, there was a citation on my windshield for parking in a reserved spot (reserved for one of the cardiology department's heads). I looked and saw that the sign that said "Reserved for Cardiology Head" had fallen off the wall and was laying flat on the ground. I did not notice the sign when I pulled in the parking spot.
This hospital has their own police dept (fully commissioned peace officers). The ticket has "Hospital District Police" on it. It is NOT a criminal citation though (the appeals process is through the hospital) and a police lieutenant there stated it was not a criminal citation (like for speeding, etc). I went down to the parking department and tried to obtain an appeal form but the lady at the window stated that she was on the appeal's committee and that there was no point in filing for an appeal because it would be denied (and the $50 fine is required to submit an appeal form). I went back and spoke with another police officer. This time, the officer told me that refusal to pay would result in "consequences" such as it "affecting your credit score, and possibly being charged for theft of services" which I thought was interesting.
With this not being a criminal citation, what could happen if I refuse to pay? I looked at the theft of service statute and I don't think it would fall underneath that. Thanks.
Parking Tickets: Refusing to Pay a Parking Ticket
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