Tough questions of a bullshit ticket! (update post 102)

[CleanAzzE30z]

And thats where the crux of the situation is.... there are many ways to handle a situation. They handled it aggressively and poorly IMO. But does that make them accountable? not likely. Whatever their reasons or methods are, the fact remains they may have been on semi-solid legal grounds for issuing the citation, but I still think there can be ways to minimize the damage to criminal record and wallet...

[mrsleeve]

Your right, Union Pacific makes tons of money off tickets, STFU! We make an average of 100k per train load, fining someone is peanuts and does not validate the cops jobs. What validates there job is when they saved someone's life or kept someone from causing 100 of thousands of dollars in damages.


As for the OP, like I said earlier good luck with this, Federal Railroad Administration's laws will supersede any California laws on trespassing because the railroads are much like an airport's laws with the FAA. The Union Pacific police are not like your typical city cops, there job is to protect and serve the Railroads, not the public.

listen to the guy that works for the rail road in question

[Rsully70sev]

Once again no.

By your logic, of "that's what the cop was doing"...then why do we have speed limit signs? Why don't cops just pull people over and inform them of the speed limit by handing them a citation or giving them a warning?

There should be a sign.

[mrsleeve]

Once again no.

By your logic, of "that's what the cop was doing"...then why do we have speed limit signs? Why don't cops just pull people over and inform them of the speed limit by handing them a citation or giving them a warning?

There should be a sign.

on the millions of miles of rail in this country, really how often should it posted every mile, every 10 miles, every 30 feet??

Besides this is common knowledge. EVERYONE knows the train tracks are a NO NO to trespass on period. People still do it and OP maybe should have been warned but......

3) Ignorance of the law is not a satisfactory defense for breaking it.

[Rsully70sev]

Millions? Try thousands.

And the same could be said about speed limit signs on standard roads.

[mrsleeve]

yeah your right 1/4 million mile of rail, still the point remains unchanged

[Rsully70sev]

Yes, I feel that people should be given a fair chance to be informed before prosecuted.

That's why we are allowed to ticket for speeding, stop signs, etc. Because they are all clearly posted, and have a regulated distance between each one.

If there is no sign, gate, etc and it's easily accessible by foot or automobile, how was he or anyone supposed to know it was trespassing? That common sense shit doesn't really fly.

[e30e]

Once again no.

By your logic, of "that's what the cop was doing"...then why do we have speed limit signs? Why don't cops just pull people over and inform them of the speed limit by handing them a citation or giving them a warning?

There should be a sign.

Write your senator and congress people to make that a rule and then as a consumer you'll be charged for 20 dollar sign that are posted everywhere. There is signs just not all of our 32,000 miles of track.

I am asking this purely out of curiosity and for the benefit of my own knowledge because I am always looking to learn from people that know (not in a sarcastic endeavor). Do even the LA Metrolink attendants/officers have federal powers? Again, I say that the rails are a whole different ballgame and was applying my extensive felonious criminal/traffic authority knowledge experiences. :)

I would tend to say yes since Railways are on Federally leased land and abide by Federal laws. But then again, I don't know with Metro lines since I haven't encountered them yet. I'm sure I will in the next 29 years I need before I retire.

[mrsleeve]

If you have been on alive for more than a decade you know its illegal to be on other peoples property with out their permission. You also know its illegal to walk along or be close to the train tacks or on the ROW.

There really is no Uhhhh I didnt know that defense here. If you bold enough to trespass then you should be willing to pay the consequences if you get caught.

again, Ignorance of the law is not a satisfactory defense for breaking it.

[DTM190]

How many KMs of roads are there in the USA?

There are speed zone signs yes? Cop out that there is too much to sign.

We arent talking in the middle of bum fuck nowhere her, its right in LA yes?

And why is there a fence with gates further back in one of the shots? Why is that fenced and not where the OP was, oh thats right, the environment and dont want to cut into the profits of the $100k per load putting up some signs in the more populated areas.

I get what you are saying e30e but wouldnt you agree a simple "move along guys, not allowed here" would have been a better outcome and allow the officers to focus on more important issues?

[Rsully70sev]

He's trying to defend his company and their actions, that's it.

[DTM190]

which any of us would too

[SoEm0]

I thought in california you had to have signs posted every 100ft on you property. If not the owner can have you leave but can't persue legal action.

[mrsleeve]

I thought in california you had to have signs posted every 100ft on you property. If not the owner can have you leave but can't persue legal action.

RR property rights TRUMP state laws. RR property rights TRUMP all, you cant fuck with rail roads. you cant cross their ROW with any thing (infrastructure wise) if they dont want you too or dont want to pay THEM a HUGE fee to cross it. RR property is untouchable period

[Rsully70sev]

I'm asking for my own curiosity, not to be an asshole. Can you provide evidence or a source of what you just said mrsleeve?