City proposing change in parking violations: Guilty until proven inncocent

City Manager Carlos Villarreal is saying that the municipal court is over burdened by ticket violations. City officials want to change the way parking vioaltions are handled, a change which many say is presumption of guilt.

An introductory ordinance proposes that traffic violations now be considered civil violations and not criminal. For example, if someone wants to sppeal a parking ticket, they would have to pay up front if the current ordinance is changed.

Municipal Court Judge Boyer Ornelas says, “Its just going to be civil its the opposite the city already says you committed it unless you prove it.”

Meanwhile, Carlos Villarreal states this would not be a presumption of guilt and just wants to make sure expedite justice and be able to have municipal court concentrate on things that are more important to the public.