In a peculiar twist of fate, a man in Georgia found himself staring at a jaw-dropping $1.4 million speeding ticket after he was clocked driving at a brisk 90 mph in a zone where 55 mph was the law of the land. This astronomical fine left Connor Cato bewildered, initially believing it to be a typographical error. With a sense of disbelief, he phoned the court for clarification, only to be met with a stark ultimatum: remit this colossal sum or make an appearance in court.
To make this tale even more bewildering, criminal defense attorney Sneh Patel, a seasoned professional in matters of the law, admitted that he had never encountered such a staggering fine for a mere misdemeanor. Such colossal penalties are typically reserved for graver transgressions, leaving everyone scratching their heads over this extraordinary situation.
The baffling sum of $1.4 million, as it turns out, was the product of an automated e-citation system employed by the local Recorder’s Court. This financial bombshell was intended for “super speeders,” individuals whose leaden feet propel them at speeds exceeding 35 mph over the legal limit. However, fear not, for there’s a twist in this tale. Cato, like a character in an elaborate plot, has an ace up his sleeve. The actual fine, imposed by a discerning judge, cannot exceed $1,000, a relatively mundane penalty in comparison to the astronomic $1.4 million. Added to this are the obligatory state-imposed costs, which are but a fraction of the astronomical placeholder amount.
It turns out that the Savannah city government has been employing this peculiar system since 2017. But fear not, for they are in the process of refining their language to prevent future confusion regarding these staggering placeholder figures, allowing for a smoother journey on Georgia’s roads of justice.