| Smithfield
minor fined for having illegal fireworks
By Debra Hawkins
November 28, 2007 | Charged with possesion of illegal
fireworks, a Smithfield minor pleaded guilty Tuesday
and was required to pay a fine.
The defendant said he was originally pulled over because
the officer thought he was not wearing his seat belt,
and while the police officer had him pulled over he
noticed illegal fireworks in the car.
"Earlier we had bought fireworks in Wyoming, and I
had leftover ones in my back window," the defendant
said. "But I was wearing my seat belt."
Justice Court Judge Terry K. Moore imposed a $500
fine but suspended $400 of it, leaving the defendant
to pay $100. The defendant was also put on probation
for a year.
"I am far more interested in no more illegal fireworks
than imposing a fine," Moore said. "Five hundred dollars
won't teach that more than $100."
Moore said he wanted the defendant to understand the
dangers of the fireworks he possesed.
"Illegal fireworks are dangerous," Moore said. "Some
fireworks can more than take your fingers off."
Moore chose not to follow-up with the defendant because
he felt with he defendant being a minor, his parents
could look after the problem.
NW
MS |
