The following day, I decided to visit a local legal aid office for a second opinion. The building was small and unassuming, nestled between a bakery and a laundromat. Inside, the air was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the courthouse’s sterile atmosphere.
A young woman with curly hair and a kind smile greeted me at the front desk. « How can we help you today? » she asked, her voice genuine and welcoming.
I explained my situation, handing over the folder of documents. She listened intently, nodding as I spoke. « Let me have a look, » she said, leafing through the pages with practiced ease.
After a few minutes, she looked up, her expression serious. « There’s definitely something off here, » she said, pointing to a clause I hadn’t noticed before.
I leaned in, squinting at the text. It was a conditional clause stating that the community service would only be enforced if the fine remained unpaid for more than thirty days.
« But Mr. Hargrove said it was immediate, » I protested, feeling a wave of frustration wash over me.
She shook her head. « That’s not how it’s supposed to work. You have thirty days to pay the fine without any additional penalties, » she explained.
Her words were both a relief and a confirmation of my worst fears. I had been misled, whether intentionally or not, and it left a bitter taste in my mouth.
As I left the office, I couldn’t help but wonder why Mr. Hargrove hadn’t been upfront with me. Was it a simple oversight, or was there something more sinister at play?
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