Will I go to jail now?

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

I’m new to DC and so nervous and anxious right now. I made a mistake at school pick up. I was in the car and the school crossing guard signaled to me to stop- I thought it was the other car. I was going super, super slow and there was no one walking on the crossing. Guard was just trying to direct another car in. I misunderstood and she wagged her finger at me angrily. Will she report me to the police now? Is it likely to be an actual sentence. I’m so scared right not, please don’t ridicule me. I cannot eat or anything. I’m from a different country and try to follow all rules.
Has any one been reported to the police like this?

[Anonymous]

I’ve got children, what if I get put in jail. I cannot even think clearly. I’m so scared.

[Anonymous]

You are fine. Don’t worry about it.

[Anonymous]

At the most? Which I don’t even think will happen, you could maybe get a ticket, but I think that’s only if you pass a bus.

[Anonymous]

Huh?

[Anonymous]

Ah, no. School crossing guards don't have that power in this country.

[Anonymous]

No, you are fine. She was just chiding you. If she was going to report you, I'm sure she would have told you.

[Anonymous]

Oh OP no you won’t get arrested. It’s ok.

[Anonymous]

Nothing will happen to you but for the Love of God pay attention.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, thank you. I feel a little better now. I just google and it seems in some places they can report you.

I pay so much attention, trust me, speeds signs obviously all the time and all these stop signs of course I always stop. Do bicycles and scooters not need to stop for them? I always go like a snail by every school.

Should I apologize to her tomorrow? I will see her every day for next two years.

[Anonymous]

You could possibly receive a ticket, in which case it would be a fine, certainly not jail. The crossing guard wouldn't be able to issue the ticket but she could report it. But nothing wrong with an apology--just don't block traffic while you're doing it! I doubt you're the first person who has disobeyed the crossing guard signal whether out of confusion or being an ass.

[Anonymous]

Ok- so maybe a ticket, in the mail then? I will have to wait and see. I will apologize to her tomorrow. Damage already done I suppose.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok- so maybe a ticket, in the mail then? I will have to wait and see. I will apologize to her tomorrow. Damage already done I suppose.

You’re overthinking this.

[Anonymous]

Please if I do I’m grateful to know. I don’t know what the culture is and I feel terrified making misstates when I don’t know the severity. It’s so much that is new. I can manage a fine. Google is not always your friend and made me scared. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please if I do I’m grateful to know. I don’t know what the culture is and I feel terrified making misstates when I don’t know the severity. It’s so much that is new. I can manage a fine. Google is not always your friend and made me scared. Thank you.

OP where are you from?