[NonsleepingIron]

Just spotted this in the Los Angeles news:

California: Police Car Booting Extortion Scheme Foiled
Former reserve cop pleads guilty to forgery in scheme that made thousands from booting cars.

Brian Hanhart pleaded no contest on September 11 to forgery after being accused of running an extortion scheme while serving as a reserve sheriff's deputy in Marina del Rey, California. Hanhart runs Municipal Parking Services, a company that placed boots on vehicles parked in private lots in Lawndale and El Camino Village in 2004. Hanhart sought payment of $80-100 for the release of each car.

An August 2004 opinion by the state attorney general made it clear that police officers may only boot cars located on public streets. Hanhart must now perform ninety days worth of community service and pay $18,000 to charity -- an amount designed to deprive him of the profits gained from his illegal booting scheme.

[FightTheBoot]

HAS YOUR CAR BEEN "BOOTED" IN A PRIVATE PARKING LOT? HERE'S HOW TO RECLAIM YOUR LOSSES:

(from http://www.FightTheBoot.com)

1) CALL YOUR LOCAL MEDIA: Expose the racketeers.

2) DEMAND A RECEIPT: Operators of illegal parking lot scams will often target parking lots and arrange for a paid lookout to scout for victims. Fees to release a car from impoundment are often demanded in cash, leaving no paper trail.

3) CALL THE POLICE BEFORE YOU PAY: Chances are that the police will renege on their responsibility to protect you and will take sides with the extortionists. Just insist that you get a police report. Ask them why you are being punished with a fine by a citizen, and why you aren't being given your Constitutionally guaranteed "due process" and "right to appeal."

4) GET THE NAME OF THE PARKING LOT ATTENDANT, THE NAME OF THE OWNER, AND THE NAME OF THE BUSINESS: You will need this information to file a civil suit

5) FILE A CIVIL SUIT. ASK THE COURT CLERK ABOUT WAIVING THE FEES: Your court fees may be waived and then charged to the defendant when you win your case. Sue for the maximum amount of money allowed in small claims court. Sue for "extortion," "intimidation," "illegal detainment," and "tampering with your motor vehicle without permission." Don't merely settle for just your money back.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO TO END TIRE-CLAMPING IN PRIVATE PARKING LOTS? CALL YOUR CONGRESSMAN: Capital Switchboard Call 202-224-3121 or 1-877-851-6437 then just ask for your Congressman