You may be wondering where my post from today went. Well it was never written because I had a surprise this morning when I woke up. A few months back I received a speeding ticket. While I try not to drive to recklessly, I got caught by a speed trap. Anyways, when I woke up I realized that I had failed to pay my ticket and the trial was scheduled for this morning. I rushed out to Fairfax County Virginia General District Court and attended my trial. It was one of the longest processes ever. While sitting in the courtroom I had the opportunity to listen to and watch other individual’s trials. It was truly a learning experience.

The first thing I learned is to get a lawyer if there is a chance you might end up in jail as a result of a guilty verdict. Well maybe I didn’t learn it today but I saw the end result of not getting a lawyer. This one guy was driving recklessly at close to 100 miles an hour in a 55 mile per hour zone. The judge informed him that his charge was an offense that was punishable by jail time and then gave him the option to obtain a lawyer. This guy decided that he didn’t need a lawyer and that by simply apologizing, all would be well. What’s funny is how adamant the judge was in explaining that this guy should get a lawyer. He still decided not to. The result? He ended up in jail. The look on this guy’s face was priceless. I honestly feel bad for the guy but part of me doesn’t simply because he was a complete idiot.

My second lesson? I have a lot to be grateful for. There were countless people that walked up to the podium to be advised to get a lawyer. Prior to obtaining the lawyer that was assigned by the court they were asked how much they made. The majority of the people that were asked how much they make responded that they make a few hundred dollars a week. One guy worked in concrete while another guy operated a crane full-time. You think your life is hard? Try making $350 a week working out in 95-degree weather, only to have a quarter of your week’s earnings slashed because you had to appear in court. That sucks. After sitting in court for the day I realized how much I really have to be grateful for and it hit me hard. Try it out some time, it can give you a whole new perspective on life.