In need of legal help!

[lbosard]

I did some searching and came up with the applicable ordinance. Under the MPLS city ordinances at
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Park Board ordinance 3-4 reads; PB 3-4. Use of underwater breathing apparatus. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to use skindiving, aqualungs, or any other underwater breathing apparatus or equipment in any park waters without first obtaining a permit therefor from the park and recreation board or its proper officers and upon payment of fees to be established by the board. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 1011.070)
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and Park Board Ordinance 3-2 reads: PB3-2. Use of unauthorized beach; swimming across lake. No person or persons shall swim or bathe at any unauthorized beach or park water; nor shall any person or persons swim across any lake or park water unless accompanied by a boat and then only with permission from the park and recreation board or its proper officers. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 1011.050)

As for penalties Park Board Ordinance 1-5 reads;

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PB1-5. Penalty. Every person convicted of a violation of any provision of the Park and Recreation Board Code of Ordinances shall be punished by a fine of not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or by imprisonment for not to exceed ninety (90) days, or both, except as expressly provided elsewhere in the Code. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 1000.050; Pk. Bd. Ord. No. 84-101, § 1, 3-7-84; Pk. Bd. Ord. No. 2000-102, § 1, 9-127-00)

Sorry to say to me it looks like he was correct in the ordinance, as to his professionalism or lack thereof I guess only you guys that were there know can judge that.

I would guess though that if you were to contact the city attorneys office and try to work a deal you would be sucsessful. Go for a continuance for a year with dismissal if there are no same or similar violations. If you live in the city contact the city councilman or park board member who represents you to run some interference for you.

Good luck.