Location: Texas, Collin County
I (27F) was gifted a paddle board for my birthday and took it out on the lake not knowing it was considered a watercraft. My dumbass thought of it more as a floaty since i blow it up each time i use it. I did not know it was texas law to have a life vest on there. Long story short the game warden pulls up on me and gives me a citation.
Ive called the court multiple times a week for over a month until my citation was turned in. Its now a $216 fine and i have to plead guilty or no contest…. I don’t want to plead not guilty and show up to court but are there any other options so this isn’t on my record as a misdemeanor? This is a first time offense, I have no record even as far as a speeding ticket.
Is this worth me calling the court back and asking for deferred judgement after paying the ticket or for dismissal with proof that I have bought a life jacket?
I don’t mind paying the ticket, i feel stupid that i didn’t look up laws but i genuinely didn’t think there were any when it came to what i considered a floaty in the lake… anyways, if you have any advice if i should just plead no contest and pay or move forward a different way. Thanks