Close Ad

judge caprio

Single Mom Faces $1,000 Fine for Storing Her Sons Unregistered Car - But the Judge Has a Different Idea
Uplifting News

Single Mom Faces $1,000 Fine for Storing Her Sons Unregistered Car - But the Judge Has a Different Idea

Being a parent is one of the toughest jobs in the world. So when a single mother named Stephanie Bassett stood before a judge and explained why she had put herself in a situation to owe $1,000 one day, he approached the case with kindness and grace.In the end, this mom wasn’t just thankful. She also reiterated how she wants to be the type of person to help others in the future, too.A Rough SpotDefendants who appear on Judge Frank Caprio’s series, Caught in Providence, know about the power of forgiveness. But when they experience the judge’s kindness firsthand, it can be incredibly inspiring.When Bassett stood before Caprio one day, she shared the story of how she had been trying to help out one of her four sons. The son had obtained a car so that he could work as a delivery person for Domino’s Pizza, but he was still working on his license.The person the family rented their home from didn’t want the car on their property because it wasn’t plated yet. So, instead of registering the car, Bassett put one of her old plates on the vehicle and parked it on the street until her son could get his license and start his job.Unfortunately, authorities discovered the old plates, booted the car, and fined her $1,000. Three hundred of that was due the day Bassett appeared before Caprio.“I’ve been struggling my whole life,” she explained when Caprio asked about her circumstances. “It’s embarrassing for me to have these bills like this, but I have four children, and I’ve been taking care of myself since I gave birth to each of them. I’ve always taken care of them myself.”A Moment of KindnessBassett admitted she knew she was in the wrong, but she was there to take responsibility and show her kids that she should have gone a different route. She knew she had set a bad example, but she wanted to continue doing what she could to provide for them and help them to take responsibility, too.“The only thing that matters to me is that, with the way the world is, they keep doing the right thing… staying out of the streets, away from the violence,” she said. “I’m learning as I go. This is a big thing to show them that I need to take responsibility.”Caprio was touched by Bassett and her story and revealed he was going to put $200 from his fund toward helping her pay the fine that was due. Bassett wiped away tears and revealed that one day, she wants to be one of the people who helps others out of bad situations like he does.“If you straighten yourself out you might be one of those people,” the judge responded.“This is not who I thought I would be and I know that I can be more,” Bassett continued. “But when I think about it, I’m a great person, and I know I have a great heart. I get into situations like this because I want to help.”Living in the GrayThis story reminds us that sometimes in life, it’s important to look beyond the black-and-white rules and to sometimes live in those gray areas. This woman was trying to help her son, and while she didn’t go about it in a great way, she also didn’t hurt anyone.She also clearly learned a lesson from her mistake, which is how we grow and evolve as people. And it’s why the judge gave her a break on her fine.In life, we can all take that lesson to heart by trying to forgive more easily and by looking at any given situation from multiple viewpoints. Most people try to do the right thing if we give them a chance, which is why it’s important to always lead with empathy and understanding.More from Goalcast:Judge Calls Single Mom “Irresponsible” for Her 14 Parking Tickets – Then She Made a Plea That Changed His MindJudge Pays Man’s Fine After He Walks 1.5 Hours With Only 98 Cents in His Pocket — But Gives Him This One ConditionJudge Learns Single Mom Was Kicked Out of Her House at 13 Years Old – Then, He Reads a Letter in Front of the Court That Stuns Her

Judge Pays Mans Fine After He Walks 1.5 Hours With Only 98 Cents in His Pocket But Gives Him This One Condition
Uplifting News

Judge Pays Mans Fine After He Walks 1.5 Hours With Only 98 Cents in His Pocket But Gives Him This One Condition

It’s not uncommon for people to fall upon hard times, especially in today’s world. So when you hear about a story of a good person getting a deserved break, you can’t help but get the warm and fuzzies inside. That’s exactly how we feel after hearing about this man who had his day in court and the inspiring parting message one judge had for him.Falling Upon Hard TimesThere are all kinds of cases on Chief Judge Frank Caprio’s TV show, Caught in Providence. That is, after all, where “real people have their cases heard.” But one recent case inspired plenty of people after it aired, thanks to the judge’s kind actions and his powerful message.In a clip shared on the show’s Facebook page, viewers met a motorist named Daniel Murray, who showed up to court with less than a dollar to his name. He had been summoned for parking violations that totaled $250 in fines. Unfortunately, Murray wasn’t in a position where he could afford to pay them off.“I have no money. Not right now,” he said, noting he had $0.98 in his bank account and that he currently runs youth lacrosse programs, which hadn’t yet started up for the season.Murray also revealed he had walked to court that morning, a five-mile walk that took him about an hour and a half. He also planned on walking home once court was finished. At that point, all Murray was asking for was to be able to defer the tickets until his cash flow increased.Getting a Break in CourtWhether it was Murray’s story, his penchant for helping the youth, his commitment to getting to court, or his great manners, Judge Caprio was impressed. He noted how someone had donated $25 to his Philomena Fund, named after his mother, just that morning. He then told Murray to take the money.“I want you to take an Uber so you don't have to walk back,” he explained, waving the cash at him.The motorist refused at first and insisted he didn’t mind, but then he graciously accepted the funds. “Thank you very much. You saved me a great deal of time today — and money.”The judge’s good mood didn’t end there. “We're gonna help you out with these fines,” he continued. “We're going to use this fund to pay for your fine, so you're gonna be all set… Let’s hope things turn out for you.”Murray was flabbergasted at the kind and unexpected gesture. “Wow, thank you so much. That's more than generous,” he finally said.But the Judge Had One Condition As Judge Caprio continued explaining where the money was going to come from, he revealed there was a condition. Murray, believing the judge wanted him to turn his life around, promised he wouldn’t get any more tickets and that Caprio would not see him back in court. But that wasn’t what the judge meant at all.Instead, the judge wanted Murray to remember how he felt at that moment. And when the time came, he wanted Murray to give back as well.“That’s our part; you have to do your part,” he said. “You have to help somebody else. There are an awful lot of people out there who have similar problems, and you are going to be in a situation to help them,” he continued.“Don't forget them. Remember how you felt? So you have to give back.”The Importance of Paying It ForwardOne of the reasons this story is getting so much traction is that Judge Caprio’s parting message is a universal lesson. Who among us hasn’t been down in life? And how heartwarming is it when someone else steps in to help you?Through his actions, the judge reminds us that we all have the power to help make a difference in someone else’s life. It doesn’t have to be huge; it could be a $25 donation for a person to take an Uber home. Or it could look completely different, like volunteering your time with a youth group, coaching a sport, or donating to a worthy cause.The point is we all go through hard times. But when things are going well, it’s important to give back. After all, there’s nothing more beautiful than living a life full of balance.