Judge Frank Caprio waives $25 Providence parking ticket after photos, hospital visit cited

PROVIDENCE — Judge Frank Caprio in the Municipal Court of Providence waived a $25 parking ticket after a participant told the court he had driven himself to Miriam Hospital, presented hospital records and photographs, and said leaves had blocked the sign's '2-hour' marking.

The participant told the court, "I drove myself to Miriam Hospital. I have all the records in the hospital. And when I came out, I had a ticket on my car. And I have a picture of it." He said he could not see the '2-hour parking' portion because leaves were covering the top of the sign.

Judge Frank Caprio asked Inspector Quinn to examine the photograph and the sign. Inspector Quinn told the court, "I saw that clearly, Judge." The judge observed from the sign that parking on that block was allowed between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., and noted the ticket had been issued at about 1:55 p.m., roughly five minutes before the permitted window.

Acknowledging the participant's hospital records, Caprio said he had seen the records and opted to waive the fine. "I know you were at the hospital. I saw the records ... you're 5 minutes overtime here. I'm going to give you a break on it," the judge said. He also advised the participant to read the entire sign in future and, jokingly, to "move the leaves" or carry "a big stick" if needed.

The hearing closed with the judge telling the participant he was "all set." A recorded narration for the program identified the courtroom and the judge by name at the end of the segment.

What this means: The case was handled informally at the bench. The participant's combination of documentary evidence (hospital records) and a photograph of the sign led the judge to exercise discretion and waive the $25 penalty rather than impose or collect the ticket.

Details not specified in the record: the exact date of the court appearance; the participant's name; whether the city's parking enforcement office will take any further administrative steps. The court record only shows the on-the-spot disposition and the judge's oral explanation.