Last week the Tampa city council took steps to relax the current open container laws, voting to eliminate the requirement that those cited for public drinking appear before a judge. This comes after complaints from Judges that dockets were crowded with open container tickets, many of whom were homeless people. Council members voted to approve the proposed changes; if approved on a second vote next month, violators would only have to pay a $75 fine. Violators would still be allowed to contest the fine in front of a judge, similar to a parking ticket, he said, and would be able to do community service in lieu of paying a fine.
- September 23, 2011
- Criminal Defense Blog | Taracks & Associates