Those darn speeding tickets…we all get them and we all hate them. Sometimes, we have to remind ourselves that driving’s a privilege. That means to get behind the wheel of a car, we have to obey all current laws. But there are times when the foot gets a little heavy on the gas pedal.
When that happens, there’s always the chance of being pulled over for…well…speeding. Depending on how fast the driver’s going, they might receive only a warning. Then again, they’ve just put themselves at risk of getting a ticket. Again, based on the speed and where the cop pulls the driver over, the price can be quite hefty.
You’d think cops would give old people a break.
But that’s not necessarily the case, as evident when 96-year-old Victor Coella from Providence, Rhode Island got busted for going too fast. In a hurry, he failed to pay attention to the speedometer. The result — flashing blue and red lights in his rearview mirror. Instead of getting off with a warning, the officer wrote him a ticket.
Fortunately for Victor, it was his lucky day.
If you’ve ever watched court proceedings on television, you might’ve seen Judge Frank Caprio. As part of the district court system in Rhode Island, he’s quite colorful. He may come across a little harsh at times, but he usually gives people unique sentences. So, how did Victor’s day in court play out?
His sentences are often unconventional, to say the least
Judge Caprio is no spring chicken himself…he’s 84-years-old. But he still runs a strict courtroom with a side of humor. Victor’s problems started like everyone else’s. He was in a hurry to get somewhere. The issue…he wasn’t just speeding, but doing so in a school zone. For that reason, he could expect a much stiffer fine.
He finally has his day in court
Victor found himself facing a compassionate yet straightforward type of judge. Despite the fact he was driving too fast in a school zone, hearing the reason for him getting a speeding ticket the Judge didn’t feel it was necessary to be too hard on the old man. Instead, he praised Victor for being so devoted to his family, especially at his age.
Victor had the chance to explain his actions
He told Judge Caprio, “I don’t drive that fast, judge. I’m 96-years-old and I drive slowly. I was going to the blood work for my boy. He’s handicapped.” That’s when the judge learned that Victor’s son has cancer. So, he has to take him to the doctor’s every two weeks for blood work.
Then people in the courtroom become a little emotional.
Both Victor and Judge Caprio teared up. Considering the facts of the case, and with the judge’s son in the courtroom that day, he made the right decision. While laughing, he expressed to Victor that he was setting a bad example for his son. The judge continued, “You’re putting a lot of pressure on me.”
With the mood lightened, the judge said, “You’re a good man. You really are what America is all about. Here you are in your 90s and you’re still taking care of your family.” With that, Judge Caprio dismissed the case. His parting words to Victor — “I wish the best for your son. I wish you good health, and your case is dismissed. Good luck to you and God bless you.”
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Source: Inspire More
