Lake Forest Park judge trims fines, dismisses owner‑not‑driver cases in afternoon infraction calendar

Lake Forest Park Municipal Court handled a slate of mitigation and contested infractions on June 13, 2026, with Judge Jennifer Grant presiding. The judge continued several matters to the attorney calendar, dismissed cases where the registered owner said they were not the driver, and granted a mix of reduced fines, payment plans and community‑service options.

The hearing opened with Judge Grant explaining the difference between mitigation (accepting a violation but asking for a reduced penalty) and contested hearings (denying a violation and requiring the city to prove it). The court clerk then managed remote participants and confirmed identities for individuals who appeared by phone or in the Zoom lobby.

Several owner‑not‑driver claims were resolved on the record. Michael Sharon told the court he is the registered owner but “I never drive it,” and after sworn testimony Judge Grant dismissed the two infractions linked to his vehicle. Ganem Al Jabboury similarly testified he was the registered owner but not the driver; that matter was dismissed by the court.

Other cases resulted in mitigated penalties and payment arrangements. Kush Doshi acknowledged a school‑zone speed violation and Judge Grant mitigated the fine to $85, due August 20. Thelma Sevilla admitted two school‑zone violations and the court reduced one fine to $85 and the other to $75 (total $160); the judge and staff prepared a two‑payment plan while Sevilla waited in the lobby.

James Jennings, who said he receives public assistance, told the court the video “did not seem to align with what me and my passenger remember” when contesting a red‑light photo violation. Judge Grant acknowledged his financial hardship, waived a late fee and reduced the penalty to $72.50 with a three‑payment option starting Aug. 20.

In contested hearings, the court reviewed declarations, photographs and video evidence captured by automated safety cameras. In case 260096890, defendant Kylin Alberta Pesotta testified she did not see the beacon flashing and believed traffic was flowing normally; after reviewing the city’s declaration and photographic evidence Judge Grant found the violation established by a preponderance of the evidence and entered a committed finding, with a $145 penalty due Aug. 20 and notice of appeal rights provided.

Judge Grant also handled several administrative and procedural matters raised by counsel. Attorney Mark Lee asked about a declaration of non‑responsibility and the court and clerk discussed a recent transition to an e‑filing system for attorneys; the judge provided prospective attorney‑calendar dates and advised counsel about the court’s efile expectations.

The court entered default (failure‑to‑appear) findings for defendants who did not sign in for their contested hearings and closed the calendar after resolving several written‑statement matters off the record. Judge Grant reminded defendants that information about appeals and payment options is available on the court website and that community‑service arrangements are acceptable in lieu of payment when courts authorize them.

The session concluded after the court addressed remaining cases and confirmed follow‑up notices would be mailed or emailed, and several matters were continued to the attorney calendar for future scheduling.