Where is Willie’s scooter?
To the Editor:
Willie is a graduate of WCU and has a degree in sociology. He was told by his instructors he had wonderful opportunities ahead of him. Sure enough the only job he could find paid $7.50 an hour. Gradually he has increased his income as he changed jobs. Willie had several beers upon graduation and was pulled and charged with DWI. He lost his car and was ordered to pay a fine and do community service. Willie could not pay the fines due to low income and the fines grew.
In order to get around, Wille got a moped and kept his low paying job. He was then stopped on his moped and charged with DWI. He had a blood test and is still waiting for the results six months later! The state took Willie’s moped and he was reduced to public transportation and a bicycle. It is possible for Willie to get a good job now but he needs his driver’s license.
Recently I visited the District Attorney’s office to learn that should he pay his fines he should be able to get his license. I was referred to the Clerk of Court where I learned Willie must pay over $1,300 to get his license back. Then I began looking into Willie getting his moped back. I asked the sheriff about its location and was referred to the Sylva Police who said to check with the Clerk of Court.
I return to the Clerk of Court to find they have no record of where Willie’s moped is located and referred me to a local car repair shop to locate it. The shop had no record of the vehicle and informed me that the state takes the vehicles when a person is charged with DWI and sells the vehicles at auction.
“Let me see if I understand this,” I said. “Before a person is convicted of an offense their possessions can be taken and sold. Is that justice?” And in Willie’s case no one knows where his scooter is located, if it has been sold or whatever. This is an example of not a justice system but instead a penal system. Things must change.
By the way, has anyone seen Willie’s moped?
Ron Robinson
Cullowhee
