Judge Frank Caprio dismisses parking tickets for Johnson & Wales student over temporary St. Patrick’s Day signs

Judge Frank Caprio dismissed two parking citations for a Johnson & Wales student after finding temporary paper "emergency no parking" signs posted for a St. Patrick’s Day parade did not give motorists reasonable notice.

The case was called with the name Ava Corente. During the hearing the participant identified herself as attending Johnson and Wales and entering her sophomore year; the court exchanged brief, informal remarks about beaches and surfing before addressing the tickets. Court staff noted the parade and the temporary signs.

On the central factual point, the judge described the signs as small paper notices stapled to trees and houses and said the question was whether motorists received reasonable notice. "So that's not in my mind, that was not reasonable," the judge said, dismissing the citation. He added, "So you just saved a $100," and concluded, "Case is dismissed. Good luck to you." The defendant responded, "Thank you, your honor."

The hearing record shows the March 18 citation was for parking "during an emergency" on Radcliffe Street; court staff observed temporary signs had been posted for the St. Patrick's Day parade the day before. The judge explained his decision on notice grounds and dismissed the matter without imposing the fine.

The proceeding closed with a brief remark describing the courtroom and its approach to cases; no further hearings or appeals were recorded in the transcript.