In a recent court appearance, Julio Lazada, a driving instructor, found himself on the wrong side of the law despite teaching others how to navigate the roads safely. Lazada appeared in court with a friend by his side after being cited for multiple traffic violations. These violations included speeding, running red lights, and an overnight parking ticket.
The first violation occurred on North Main Street, where Lazada was clocked driving at 37 miles per hour (mph) in a zone with a speed limit of 20 mph. This significant over-speeding was the first in a series of offenses that would later catch up with him in court.
As the case progressed, the judge and court officials discovered more concerning behavior from Lazada. The second violation took place when Lazada ran a red light at an intersection where there was a clearly posted sign requiring drivers to stop before turning right on red. Lazada attempted to defend himself by claiming that he had “never seen the sign,” an argument that did not appear to sway the judge.
The third violation involved another red light incident, this time at the intersection of Roger Williams Avenue and Elmwood Avenue. Here, Lazada’s actions were noted as particularly negligent, with the inspector commenting that Lazada “only tried to stop halfway.”
His inability to fully comply with traffic laws seemed to paint a clear picture of a pattern of reckless driving.
To make matters worse, Lazada was also cited for an overnight parking violation, adding a further fine to his growing list of offenses. The parking ticket alone carried a $20 fine, which was the least of his concerns.
Upon reviewing the case, Judge Frank Caprio discovered a surprising detail: Lazada, the defendant, was a driving instructor by profession. He was not just a driver but someone being paid to teach others how to drive safely on the roads.
This revelation added a layer of irony to the case, with Caprio noting the contradiction between Lazada’s profession and his apparent disregard for traffic laws.
The judge, alongside Inspector Quinn, found humor in the irony of the situation. Quinn jokingly pointed out that there might be a “few success stories” in the courtroom, subtly hinting that some of Lazada’s students might have been present to witness his courtroom appearance.
As the hearing continued, the judge began to assess the fines associated with each of Lazada’s offenses. The overnight parking ticket was set at a $20 fine. For the red light violation at Roger Williams Avenue, Lazada faced an $85 penalty.
Considering the severity of the speeding and multiple red light offenses, the total fines added up to $190. However, the judge decided to provide some leniency, as Lazada appeared genuinely concerned about the situation.
The moment of truth came when Judge Caprio laid out the two options available for Lazada: either pay the full $315 in fines or settle with a reduced total of $170. Lazada expressed his disappointment and frustration over the charges, but the judge, acknowledging his situation, opted for the lower fine of $170.
Judge Caprio concluded the proceedings by offering some final words of encouragement, wishing Lazada a good day as he left the courtroom with a smaller financial burden than he might have faced. While the case may have ended with a lesser penalty, the irony of a driving instructor facing traffic violations likely left a lasting impression on those present.
This case serves as a reminder that even those who teach others the rules of the road are not exempt from the consequences of breaking them. It also highlights the importance of not only knowing traffic laws but also abiding by them, regardless of profession.
As Lazada walks away with a reduced fine, it remains to be seen if this experience will alter his approach to driving—and perhaps even how he instructs his students going forward.