Usually calm and cool, even Providence’s Judge Frank Caprio has times when he has to be stern. This would be one of them, yet true to form, he wrapped it in a warm bow.
A Mother of 4 Shares Her Story With Judge Caprio
On this day, Tristan Fields stood before him. And boy did she have more than this court date weighing on her mind. Her car had been 'booted,’ meaning a device was clamped to its wheel to prevent her from driving it.
Fields needed that car to transport precious cargo. In this case, it would be her 4 kids ages 4 to 13 years old. They depended on her to take them to school daily, so this was a big problem.
When asked about the car, Fields said, "I had registered it for my kids' father a couple of years ago. We've been separated for almost three years and I failed to get the plates back from that car."
Fields added that she hadn't been in contact with the father, leaving the burden of the bill on her.
Judge Caprio Gives Single Mother Some Tough Love
Before Caprio got done counting all thirteen tickets, Fields said, "I know it looks extensive." He noticed that they were all overnight parking tickets, so she’d left her vehicle in front of her house overnight.
He asked her why. “Just being exhausted, your Honor,” she said. She works 30 to 40 hours a week as a medical assistant to support her kids.
“When are you gonna learn your lesson,” asks Caprio. “I learned it," she replied, adding that she now has a parking space for the car.
That's when Fields made her plea.
"I'm just trying to get my life together. I understand I do owe on parking tickets. I don't wanna be negligent to that, but I'm trying to get my life in order. I'm raising my children on my own, and doing the best that I can."
That's when the usually jolly judge got tough with the single mother.
"I understand that it's tough, you don't have money, that the last thing on your mind is paying parking tickets because you have to feed the kids... that's your priority," he started.
But he said, "It’s irresponsible of you to give me an excuse like ‘I’m tired,’ we’re all tired," adding, “These tickets are foolish." Caprio said that while she's a good loving mother, "You're doing something that's hurting that good part of you by being irresponsible."
However, it was at that moment that Caprio switched from lecture to love.
How Judge Caprio Helped a Mother of 4
"I wanna help you."
For those familiar with Judge Caprio's videos, his court often receives donations from around the world that he can use to help others.
On this day, he told Fields of one such man, Steven Foraquin, from Texas. In an envelope letter containing six $50 bills was a letter from Foraquin. "As I sit far away in Midland, Texas, my heart breaks for those before you who just need a little break," he wrote.
"I'm going to use one of those to help pay for your fine," said Caprio as the courtroom broke out in applause. Caprio added that it will be enough to remove the boot from her car, so the kids will again have a ride to school.
That brought Fields' bill to $250. In the middle of discussing a payment plan, Caprio suddenly stopped.
"I'm not gonna waste the city's resources chasing the father of your children, because it's gonna be an exercise in futility," he said. He said that the tickets go back over 5 years, and they will never find him. In short, they will never get the money.
And so, Caprio used his gavel as a wand. "I'm gonna take a big burden off your head," he said as he dismissed the tickets.
The only thing the judge asked of Fields? "Pay this, move the car, and continue to be a good mother."
How Judge Caprio Proves That Firm and Fair Wins the Race
In a rare Providence moment, Caprio spoke to the camera after the proceedings.
"Many of you may think I was being too harsh on her," he said, with her being a single mother of 4. Yet, Caprio said that it's the exact reason why he's tough, "she doesn't have the luxury of making excuses."
Rather, he says, "She has a responsibility to make good choices." With that, he wished Fields all the best.
There's a saying that says that good friends talk smack about you to your face and good about you behind your back. We should all be so lucky to have friends like this one kind judge in Providence.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.