Though even I thought I was technically guilty of being in the wrong place in the wrong truck, I was exonerated by my Budget receipt. Short term lease? Not guilty.
That makes sense: It was personal use, not commercial. But, in my (uneducated) reading of the code, it seemed that trucks of that size (double-axle or two-axles with six wheels) were considered “trucks” regardless of intent. More details later, and commentary on how glad I am that I didn’t check the “guilty” box and mail in a check.
(Side note: turns out the first-time fine is $200 + $80, not $40 + $60. This I learned because the case ahead of mine was also an off-route truck, same location, same officer (different truck: commercial). The points are still unclear; his license was already suspended. By the third offense? $1,000 to $2,000.)
You sound like you are making cases for the other side. What if the judge reads this blog and overturns your ruling? Stand by your “not guilty!”
I stand by the concept of no double jeopardy.
What should I do with all the “FREE PETE” tee shirts I had made?
I guess you can return them to Cuba. Welcome back, by the way!