Brothers and Sisters, I just returned from the Palm Beach South Court House in Delray Beach where all of these cases regarding load pipes, after market pipes and now a ticket for non original equipment???? will be heard. We had turn out of about 25 bikes, not bad for a workday and Leesburg Bike Fest going on at the same time. I would like to thank our Brothers of American Legion Riders, The Enforcers MC, ABATE P.B.C. members and the independent riders for being there in support. Special thanks to our Brother At Arms Attorney Demetreos Kirkiles of ABATE SE, for his tenacity in researching every aspect of state and federal laws and statutes pertaining to this issue. I think it would be an understatement to say he was adequately prepared and more then ready to give those who would challenge him an education on how ludicrous these actions really are. To our disappointment the officer from Ocean Ridge responsible this moronic action never showed. The case was thrown out. Probably a good thing for him because we were informed by a Delray City Official that two judges that ride were also ticketed along with a couple law enforcement officers that were present outside the court house. There were several members of law enforcement present inside the court room seated to one side of the room when we filed in, because this was the day for traffic court. As the case was called before the judge, Demetreos presented the judge with a compilation of documents from his research and as he put it "we kind of flew the Jolly Roger in front of them" leaving those officers and the judge with little or no doubt we had come prepared. Unfortunately, again this battle was over before it started but the point was made abundantly clear, we have no intention of allowing this crap to continue and we will be back. So far the first two cases have been dismissed, one before a magistrate and this one before a judge. As I understand it several others have followed up and requested that their case go before a judge and will be heard in the very near future. I'll be sure to keep everyone updated as things develope. A shallow victory maybe, but there was an aire of communication and dialogue that seemed to develope among those outside the court house, including members of the SWAT Team on station. It appeared a much greater victory was achieved in dispelling the myth that we were the enemy. If there was any tension that may have existed when they saw us parked across the street and walking toward the court house, it seemed to melt away after a few short minuets. I saw hand shakes and introductions being made, I saw people talking and joking. As we were coming out after court, small groups of people gathered around talking and saying goodbye, cards were exchanged and in general, I would say the experience was very positive for all. There are other cases stemming from these areas on A1A pending and we want to know the disposition of each and every one of them. We encourage anyone that goes before the judge and has their case dismissed to contact us, we want to hear from you if it isn't. We need to have copies of those dispositions to determine what course action will be necessary in the future. This is not over, this was just the first step taken and we are going to see our mission through. We seek no compromise and will accept no quarter, there is no threat that will go unchallenged when it comes to unlawful and discriminatory actions like these. We only ask for your cooperation and that of our motorcycle community in obeying the speed limits, rules of the road and to use common sence when traveling A1A or anywhere for that matter. All of these municipalities on A1A have been known as "ticket mills" over the years for speeding and trivial infractions, don't give them an excuse to stop you. If you are stopped for after market pipes, non original equipment or non stock pipes, please contact me at 561-302-0879 or president@abatepalmbeach.com Please include your phone number on emails. For more information visit our web site at www.abatepalmbeach.com and click on "Legislative News" for the form to request that your case go before a judge and a formal plea of not guilty. The form can be printed out, completed and sent in with the ticket. For direct access click on this link: http://www.abatepalmbeach.com/images/INFRACTION_not_guilty_demand_JUDGE_FORM.pdf Support your local ABATE Chapter by becoming a member, help us fight the fight for our rights. Ride Free, Ride Safe Strongbow President ABATE Palm Bch. Chapter Cell: 561-302-0879 president@abatepalmbeach.com |
