Hey all! So here’s the deal – my wife and I, real estate investors from New Mexico, found ourselves in a sticky situation recently. We took on a camp host job in Jackson Hole, WY, to enjoy the summer and explore the Tetons and Yellowstone. However, a National Forest law enforcement officer slapped us with a ticket for supposedly “living” in the forest.
Now, the ticket is totally bogus in my opinion. We were just waiting for our campground to open, following the 14-day stay limit, and pursuing my hobby of wildlife photography. But the LEO seems to think otherwise. So, I’m thinking of taking this to court, but I need some advice.
How do I prove to the judge that we were not “living” in the National Forest and were just there for recreational purposes? Any insights or tips on how to navigate this legal challenge are greatly appreciated! Let’s tackle this together. 💪🏞️🏕️ #CourtDrama #NationalForestLife #WildlifePhotographer #LegalAdvice
Insane ticket, just tell the judge exactly what you’ve written here (but obviously a bit less annoyed and more respectful, judges love that). Did you not even try telling the forest officer that photography was just a hobby and your main job was in real estate?
Produce some evidence that you haven’t been in the National Forest for 14 days.
Gas station reciepts from the trip up from New Mexico.
Dashcam footage from the RV driving up to Wyoming.
Produce evidence your primary income is NOT wildlife photography (tax returns, property records, etc)
Produce statements and any evidence to show that this information was given to the LEO at the time they issued the ticket, and so this is a malicious prosecution.
“He looked up you instagram” – depending on which account you lookup, you see different information as the accounts are used to promote different aspects of my life.
I think t hat ownership records for the property you live at and other evidence that this is your permanent address, e.g., utility bills in your names, would go a long way in showing the judge that your stay was temporary camping rather than full.time living. Good luck.
Strange question- how did the LEO have your Instagram handle?
Do you have Google maps timeline? If so wouldn’t that be evidence of when you arrived there?
If you have money why wouldn’t you hire a lawyer for this? If there is even a 1% chance you lose that is far too much
I don’t know about the photography angle, but it does seem like you were staying there not for recreation, but as an alternative to staying at the camp.
It will be very simple to prove (based on what you stated, receipts, etc.) that you were not living there and, per your current job, that you were coming up to WY to be a camp host. Be factual, don’t be heated in court. It’s pretty cut and dry. Also, I would tell the judge (and produce evidence) that you own rental property if you feel it’s necessary.
Having worked for the FS years ago, and writing these tickets, you will most likely see a magistrate for your initial appearance, and the FS officer and prosecutor have the burden of proof to show you were using the NF as a residence.
I would explain to the judge that the LEO might assume you have made the forest your home, but show that you had a contract as campground host, why you stayed at the lot temporarily, and explain you were only there under 14 days. Then sum it all up.
“While I can see the LEO’s assumption, there is no evidence to show I have used the NF as a residence in violation of the 14 day rule.”
The prosecutor is going to have to work really hard here to convince the judge that their assumption should win, with no real proof or evidence…
Worst possible outcome, the judge.finds you guilty and you pay the ticket, best case you win and the LEO realizes he’s an idiot and assumptions do not equal evidence.
I’d start with taking those Instagram stickers that I assume every Instagram celebrity uses off your RV. Letting people easily find your Instagram has backfired.
There is an incredible housing shortage in Jackson. Many people do and have lived in the national forest. It’s a finicky subject.
The ticket money just goes back to the national
forest. It seems you have the money to pay it but your employer is even offering.
Just pay it.
I’ve lived in the park and in Jackson. It’s just the way it is there.
I’m wondering which “parking lot” you’re referring to as well…
Take your proof of arrival with you to court. Also take a letter about the camp job and the conditions at time of your arrival. Also take printed copy of the law/ code allowing 14 days.
Unless the elk, beaver and birds you were photographing were paying you a sitting fee or studio charge for their nature boudoir shoots, I think you were primarily recreating. If possible, I would say this exactly to the prosecutor and judge.