Providence judge dismisses parking citation after defendant cites confusing Saint Patrick’s Day signs

A Providence Municipal Court judge dismissed a parking-in-a-tow-zone charge against Julia Pugliese after hearing that special-event paper signs for a Saint Patrick’s Day parade were difficult to see.

Pugliese told the court she regularly parked in front of her home and did not notice the 8-by-10 paper signs that temporarily restricted parking. "I park there all the time. It's right outside my house," she said. "It was just because it was Saint Patrick's Day. So there was no parking on the street allowed and I didn't know that." The judge and others discussed whether paper signs placed for special events were reasonably visible to local residents.

Pugliese's companion, who identified himself as Drew and said he attends Providence College, argued the signs can be hard to spot and that the parade was a major, unfamiliar event. After hearing that explanation, the judge praised the argument and dismissed the charge, prompting a brief, lighthearted exchange and a hug. "That's a thank you hug because you because you made such a good argument, I'm gonna dismiss the case," the judge said. The court then formally dismissed the case.

The decision was presented in court without a formal motion from the prosecution on the record; the transcript records the judge exercising discretion after discussion of sign visibility and residents' familiarity with routine parking. No fines, payment arrangements, or further orders were recorded in the transcript for this docket.