Judge Jennifer Grant reduces fines, finds defaults in Feb. 25 contested infraction calendar

Judge Jennifer Grant presided over a remotely held contested infraction calendar on Feb. 25, 2026, reducing penalties for several drivers cited in school zones and for expired registration and finding failures to appear where defendants did not reconnect. The court offered mitigation for financial hardship and set updated invoices with a March 20 payment deadline for defendants who were granted reductions.

Grant opened the calendar by explaining the standard of proof in contested infractions: “A preponderance means, more likely than not,” and described the process for contested hearings, mitigation, and eligibility for deferred findings in officer-issued citations. The session was held via Zoom and livestreamed to maintain open courts.

Several defendants who did not deny the violations received reduced penalties as first-time offenders. In case 250447284, Ali Eskandari acknowledged a school-zone photo ticket alleged at six miles over and the judge reduced the fine to $75 and ordered an updated invoice to be mailed. Catherine Bushara, cited for registration expired more than two months, said she purchased tabs the same day the citation was issued; Grant reduced that penalty to $100 and directed the court to mail an updated invoice with a March 20 due date. Elizabeth Mamo (case 250433664) acknowledged going 13 mph over the 20 mph school-zone limit; Grant reduced the doubled penalty to $175 and allowed the amount to be paid in two installments, the first due March 20.

In an officer-issued speeding case (580897942), Manmeet Sayani acknowledged the citation and told the court he is a semi-truck driver attending school; Judge Grant reduced that fine to $100 but said she could not offer additional diversion or remedial programs. A Wiegand listed in case 250341016 acknowledged driving 7 mph over in a school zone and said he is retired and on a fixed income; the judge reduced that fine to $50 and confirmed mailing to the defendant’s PO box.

The court also entered default findings for defendants who did not appear or whose mailed notices were returned undeliverable. The court found a failure to appear and committed the violation by default for Jules Seisei Kingju (case 5A0937361) after a notice was mailed to the address on the citation. Similarly, the court found a failure to appear for Katie Sartore (case 250443945) after mailed notice returned undeliverable and imposed the penalty via default.

Several defendants raised location- or navigation-based explanations. One defendant said Google Maps routed them through an unfamiliar area; another, Crystal Anne, said she was unfamiliar with the Lake Forest Park area while en route to Saint Edward for a company meeting and acknowledged reviewing the video evidence. Judge Grant generally reduced first-time violations but emphasized the limited relief available when officer-issued tickets or prior violations exist. For those granted reductions, the court said updated invoices would be mailed and payments would be due March 20 (payment plans were permitted where requested).

The calendar concluded after the court resolved the afternoon’s matters and imposed penalties or default findings where appropriate. The judge reminded defendants to watch for mailed invoices and to contact the court if they needed payment plans or had questions about mailed notices.