I learned a copy of things today as I will explain as we go along here.
A couple of months ago I posted a video here on the blog showing the "tossing" a rock off of a cliff. In case you didn't know (as I didn't either) "tossing" a rock off of a cliff is a misdemeanor according to the United State CFR codes. Apparently even shooting a digital video of the "tossing" is just as bad since it is "aiding and abetting."
All in all, I do not endorse rock "tossing."
Today I had my very first experience with the legal system of The United States of America. My first impression of the courthouse was my this is a clean building. Nice shiny floors and cool historic features. Elden, Dug, and I arrived early dressed in our best attire. You know how funny it is to see others in suits when you are used to seeing them in camping or cycling attire? You almost don't recognize them. Who are these people anyway?
The whole operation lasted fifteen minutes. I was a little worried when the prosecuting attorney said it was "outrageous" and that he was going to go for it all. I began to wonder how far he was going to take this. It was also very interesting the whole time how everyone would look at us as they passed us in the courthouse kind of laughing or snickering. I was beginning to wonder, "I there something in my teeth?" Or "is there a bat in the cave I am not aware of?" Even some individuals in the courtroom thought the experience was quite entertaining. I kind of wondered why they were laughing and making comments like "it is illegal to skip rocks" coming from the bailiff. Here I am wondering how much money I am going to be out, and everyone thinks this is funny. Lucky for us we had a wonderfully jovial defense attorney (appointed to us, thanks whoever did the appointing) and a kind Judge and managed to leave paying $180 between the three of us. To be honest I was thinking it was going to be a lot worse, and am thankful that it is what it is.
So couple of things learned from this experience
- Tossing rocks of cliffs is illegal
- Audio/video posted on your blog can get you in trouble
- Law enforcement can find you and track you down
- Courthouses are really clean
- I don't like wearing suits or ties
- I hope I don't ever have to do this again.
- Most attorneys/general public say "WTF" when they hear this story.
- And again, Don't throw rocks.
So I guess I would be a "Misdemean" now.
6 comments:
I hope you guys went for a ride directly after the court room
This has to be the most outrageous thing I have ever heard! I live in Ohio, but if I ever go to Utah, I am going to throw a rock off a cliff and plead not guilty, just to see it get sent to a long, drawn out trial. What if a bike, or worse, a ranger vehicle, were to "kick" a pebble off a cliff? It that illegal?
WTF.
Rick - If Susan would have been in better condition yesterday we would have. Nice day.
NW B - I have thought of that, but just figured it was easier to get it over with instead of fight it, even though all I did was film it.
RMH - Agreed.
I guess my only question is how you three managed to drum up enough extra energy to even consider rolling rocks last year. I have mostly blocked the event from my memory, but if'n I recall things correctly - we were riding in a sandblast cabinet. I had my determined hat on, and was not about to even slow down. I rolled right past Vertigo Whatever and didn't give it a second thought last year.
Absolutely amazing story.
"Oh, Dusty. In-famous is when you're MORE than famous. This man El Guapo, he's not just famous, he's IN-famous."
Sabrosa - Crazy thing is that I can't even remember where or when it was on the ride. Only that I stopped for a couple seconds (long enough to incriminate myself). But I do remember thinking "OK need to keep riding in this blasted sandstorm."
"Would you say that I have a plethora?"
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