Page 8 July 2012 Some cases test court’s patience Justice Steven Sarkis By Steven Sarkis Recently, I encountered a particular case that stuck out in my mind. And not in a positive way. In the Arcadia Biltmore court, we have a number of civil traf fi c hearings each month. A civil traf fi c hearing takes place when someone receives a traf fi c violation and wants to contest the charge or charges. These hearings are completely appropriate if someone thinks they have a valid reason to contest the charge. The court subpoenas the citing of fi cer so the defendant can ask him or her any questions regarding the stop or other circumstances regarding the violation. It started out as a pretty standard case. In most civil traf fi c cases, the of fi cer is the only person who shows up on behalf of the state. The of fi cer presented the case, explained the circumstances of the citation, read his report and discussed the law pertaining to the particular violation. When the of fi cer concluded his testimony, the case was turned over to the defendant to ask the of fi cer any questions or present his own case. The defendant simply said, “I requested a hearing because I was hoping the of fi cer wouldn’t show up.” That was the entirety of his case. As a judge, I have heard things like this before, but rarely so blatant and disrespectful. This defendant had taken an of fi cer off of the street from active duty simply to roll the dice on whether the of fi cer would show up. A situation like this is not only disrespectful to the of fi cer, but also to the court and to the police department. This wasn’t the fi rst time this had happened and won’t be the last. Granted this was just one individual, though I have seen many others with a similar attitude. I hope this isn’t the general outlook of the majority. The police department and its of fi cers do so much to keep us safe with very little recognition. Therefore, the message, respect the law or face harsher consequences. Steven Sarkis is the justice of the peace for the Arcadia Biltmore Justice Court. confections • jonathan peter • mixed media on canvas • 40h x 60w x .25d art art ne gallery ne gallery representing students of american and european universities, local and community colleges, high schools and emerging arizona artists. 480.946.5076 • artonegalleryinc.com 4130 n marshall way . scottsdale Purveyors of ALL AMERICAN Summer Fun Visit AJ’s today and be inspired to have some All American summer fun with a fabulous BBQ, a patriotic fruit tart, or the all-time favorite – apple pie and ice cream. Sign up for news & special offers at ajsfinefoods.com

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