Falling Down.
A year ago while traveling to work I left my train pass behind. The night before I had been Christmas shopping online and left my wallet next to the computer. That day happened to be the day they were checking for passes (our commuter trains run on the honour system - checking only once every 2-3 months). Long story short, I was fined. Given the option to fight it or pay it, I chose to fight, and so sent back the slip with my plea of "Not Guilty" with a letter of explanation and photocopies of my proof of payment, etc. Time passed. Months. I heard nothing and figured that the issue had been dropped.
So now I get a nice letter from the train system, telling me to show up to court and pay my fine, and also any court fees, or pay an additional 25 to change my plea. [None of this in English of course]
I don't mind the amounts - it's the principle of it all. If you fine me, and I write back, I should hear something in a matter of weeks - not months, not an entire year. If I have provided proof that I owned a train pass at the time, take that into account.
The wife saved this newest letter from the post office floor.
Our trains are dangerously overcrowded, and starting next month the cost of a train pass goes up by $5. If I ever end up going on a shooting spree (ever a day sooner), add this to the list of reasons.