Activist REJECTS Prosecutor’s Plea Deal For Retaliatory Tickets! We The People Effected Change!

Introduction

Hey what's up guys! Long Island Audit here back again with another video. Today, we're at the Suffolk County Traffic Violations Bureau in Hauppauge, New York. I'm here to answer for the four retaliatory tickets issued to me by Sergeant Moo of the Suffolk County Police Department. The last time I conducted an audit here, things didn't go well for us.

Confrontation at the Traffic Violations Bureau

As I was entering, a security guard aggressively confronted me when I began recording. Despite explaining that I have a First Amendment right to record in publicly accessible areas, the security officers were insistent that I stop filming. Here’s a brief snippet of the encounter:

"Sit down, put…back away from me man. What are you doing?"

"I'm just recording. Do you have law enforcement authority?"

"I'm going to ask you nicely to please shut this off and read the sign."

They introduced me to the sign, stating that electronic recording and audiovisual coverage in court facilities without the court’s permission is forbidden. They tried to argue it's a law, but it's actually policy—not a legislative law.

Interaction with Law Enforcement

At this point, a Suffolk County Deputy Sheriff arrived. Unlike the security officers, he was more willing to have a conversation:

"I'm a journalist working on a story. I'm gathering content in publicly accessible areas. I'm not in any courtroom or restricted area."

"What are you trying to accomplish?" he asked.

"I'm exercising my rights without being told to stop," I responded as calmly as possible.

While I conducted my investigation, the security officers continued to object, asserting their policies. However, I insisted on my constitutional rights. Eventually, we reached an impasse where I suggested they call law enforcement for clarification.

Inside the Violations Bureau

Upon entering the bureau, one of the clerks strongly objected to being recorded. This resulted in her calling for assistance, halting the process momentarily. I emphasized my commitment to transparency, an essential part of my work as a journalist.

Dealing with the Prosecutor

The prosecutor tried to make a plea deal:

"You have four tickets. Three of them I'm going to dismiss, and the other one I'm dropping down to $ 105," she proposed.

"I appreciate the offer, but it's not about the money for me; it’s about principle," I explained.

I proceeded to explain the retaliatory nature of the tickets. Sergeant Moo issued them to me unlawfully after a previous interaction where he disliked being recorded. My window tints adhere to legal requirements, a fact he disregarded.

Outcome and Reflections

The prosecutor gave me a new court date—August 26th—to further consult with an attorney for trial. Throughout this process, I noticed significant improvements at the bureau. Under the new director, Brian Browns, the previously unconstitutional "No Recording" signage had been removed, making the environment far more welcoming.

Conclusion

The difference between my previous and current experiences at the Suffolk County Traffic Violations Bureau is night and day. The new director seems to be implementing more constitutional and efficient changes in how the bureau operates. I’m committed to seeing my court case through to the end, standing firm on the principles of transparency and accountability.

Keywords

First Amendment
Retaliation
Journalist Rights
Suffolk County
Constitutional Policies
Public Safety
Transparency

FAQ

What were the tickets for? The tickets were issued for alleged window tint violations; however, they were retaliatory and unlawful.
Why do you record public interactions? Recording public interactions promotes transparency and accountability in government activities.
What changes did you notice at the Traffic Violations Bureau? Under the new director, Brian Browns, unconstitutional "No Recording" signage was removed, and operations seemed more efficient.
What is your next step in resolving these tickets? I have a new court date on August 26th to consult with an attorney and proceed to trial.
How did law enforcement handle the situation? The Suffolk County Deputy Sheriff was more cooperative than the security officers, leading to a more reasonable discussion about my rights.