Ordinance Violation Defense Tips

Summary

If youre facing a city ordinance violation for improperly stored logs, consider defenses like showing compliance efforts, arguing necessity due to water issues, and presenting documented communication with the city. In court, introduce yourself, explain the situation, present evidence like photos and communication records, and highlight the necessity of your actions to prevent property damage. Organize your evidence chronologically to effectively demonstrate the ongoing issue.

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I have a court appointment coming up for a ticket of an ordinance violation from the city I live in and need to come up with a defense
Hi ****! To assist you better, can you tell me what the specific ordinance violation was for? This will help me provide you with relevant legal information and possible defenses.
It is for having logs on the ground not stacked up and not six inches off the ground
****, it sounds like you're dealing with a city ordinance violation regarding the storage of logs. Here are some general defenses you might consider:
- Compliance with Ordinance: Show evidence that you have since complied with the ordinance.
- Reasonable Effort: Demonstrate that you made a reasonable effort to comply but faced unavoidable obstacles.
- Ordinance Clarity: Argue that the ordinance is vague or unclear.
Where is this occurring? This will help me provide more specific information.
So I have had water issues in my backyard for years that the city is aware of. This water issue killed the tree that has been cut up and this wood is now piled around my shed to block the water from destroying it. I explained that and the ordinance department did not care
****, it sounds like you have a valid argument regarding the water issues and the necessity of the wood placement. Here are some additional points you can consider for your defense:
- Documented Communication: Present records showing that you have informed the city about the water issues.
- Necessity Defense: Argue that the logs are temporarily necessary to prevent further property damage.
- Impact on Compliance: Demonstrate how the water issues hinder your ability to comply with the ordinance.
Do you have any documentation or photos of the water issues and your communication with the city?
What should I do or say in front of the judge
In front of the judge, you can present your case clearly and respectfully. Here are some steps to consider:
- Introduce Yourself: State your name and the purpose of your appearance.
- Explain the Situation: Briefly describe the water issues in your yard and how they've led to the current log placement.
- Present Evidence: Provide any documentation or photos you have regarding the water issues and your communication with the city.
- Necessity Defense: Explain why the logs are necessary to prevent further damage to your property.
- Show Effort: Demonstrate any steps you've taken to try to comply with the ordinance despite the obstacles.
Good luck!
I have pictures from over time showing the water throughout my property
****, presenting those pictures is a great idea. Here's what you can do:
- Compile Evidence: Organize the photos chronologically to show the persistent water issue.
- Highlight Communication: Bring any records of communication with the city about the water problem.
- Explain Necessity: Clearly state why the logs are essential for protecting your property.
Good luck!