Attorneys and advocates say the city of Chicago could be on the hook for nearly 200 million dollars in total refunds following a judge’s ruling this month that thousands of drivers were overcharged on tickets.
“The law department literally gambled with taxpayer money, and they lost.”
Attorney Jacie Zolna says additional, illegal fees were tacked onto over a million parking, city sticker and other tickets between 2012 and 2022.
“The judge’s order specifically states that any amounts assessed over $250 are void and unenforceable.”
Kyle Garchar says he was unable to work as a rideshare driver after racking up 16 hundred dollars in tickets…all while being parked outside of his Bucktown home.
“I think I just looked at myself and said ‘this is something worth fighting for because it doesn’t seem legal.’”
A Cook County judge has agreed, but exactly when drivers can expect refunds is unclear as the city is reportedly considering appealing the ruling.
“They are just incapable of doing the right thing and admitting that they’re wrong.”