PARKING MAYHEM!!!!

UPDATES: DOM broke the news yesterday that the Washington whispers are that Judge Bob Scola is being vetted to replace Judge Huck. Scola, along with Judge Bagley and Fed Magistrate O'Sullivan were the three finalists. DOM also lost a tough one in Tampa on Tuesday. If you try cases (and your name is not Gerry Spence) you will lose cases. Pure and simple. But if you know David, you know he will never give up, he will never surrender, he will continue to fight for his client. There isn't any other lawyer we would want if we needed one.

In War-resolution. In Defeat-definace. In Victory-Magnaminity.

Churchill.

As many of you are aware, the parking nightmare that we predicted (see, Thin Edge of A Large Wedge from January 18 of this year, when we also predicted the fall of the governments of Egypt and Libya.) has come home to roost. This Tuesday after a Monday holiday (always a super busy day) saw police officers from multi-jurisdictions take almost all the spots in Lot 26 that attorneys are paying a monthly fee for. Havoc ensued.

Here are some of the emails that went out today. We removed the authors of the emails because recent events world wide show that state security forces have a habit of dealing rather roughly with those that complain about them. Nobody wants to see our colleagues get a rash of tickets for "tires with thin tread" or "illegal tinting" or the other host of revenge related tickets that upset officers are wont to issue.

Judge Slom and Judge Soto,

I had court today at 9:30 so, I got a new look at the problems. Normally, I get to court before the crowds.

Boy, you should have see the mess outside the courthouse today. Total gridlock in all directions. Defendants are so freaked out about being late for court so they gridlock intersections. I wish the MPD or MDPD Court Liaison could put a cop or CSA in the middle of those intersections the first morning of every week from 8: 30 am – 10:00 am. It would really make a difference. Maybe you two can suggest it.

Now that the cops are “sharing” lot 26 (where we pay $80.00 a month to park) there are no spaces for us anymore. That means that we too are now late for court.

Cops block sidewalks, grass areas, intersections and even fire hydrants. It’s shameful to see a cop park a marked unit directly in front of a fire hydrant.

There has to be a better way to handle this.

When the people get to the door, they have to wait for a long time to get in. That is why I tell my clients that they must be in the courthouse at least one hour before court is called to order.I wish we had more people intensive calendars on Thursday and Friday.This is just my thoughts. I represents no one but, myself.

.....

Dear Judge Slom and Judge Soto:

I, as well as others, have been relocated to Lot 18, the main lot on the south side of the courthouse. I was told that this is to make room for the county vehicles that are now using Lot 26. While I’ve been able to find a parking spot each day, getting in and out has been a problem. May I suggest that the entrance on the south side of the lot be kept open full time. Since monthly parking permit holders as well as daily parkers utilize pre-paid tickets now, the gate is automatic and an attendant is no longer necessary to take fees.

....

Dear Esteemed Judges and Colleagues,

I have attached a photograph taken this morning at the height of the craziness. The situation is dangerous. It is a situation that will escalate until a just resolution is reached. The Miami Parking Authority is an independent organization, that apparently is in denial as to the unsafe environment they have created. It was my understanding that the Miami-Dade PD was to be allowed access to the lot on a temporary basis. However, today it was a mad house with police vehicles from multiple departments and unmarked units as well.

While it is not the usual purview of the court to get involved in these matters, perhaps in this situation it would be prudent to have a meeting to discuss this situation.

......

That’s my car illegally parked behind the police car but, hell, I was not blocking anyone. I also watched a cop get in an argument with a defense lawyer. Not pretty.

Rumpole says: not for nothing, but we're a bunch of lawyers. We contracted for a service, paid a fee, and the vendor has reneged on providing that service. Hmm...what to do...what to do...??? Can anyone say L...A...W...S...U...I...T????

First they do away with collective bargaining in Wisconsin, and now they take away our parking. Where will it all end???