Dear Editor,
I would like to share a recent experience I had at the tag office in Eatonton. What started as a quick run-in – or roll-in, considering I was in a wheelchair after having major surgery – would turn into a trip to both local police stations and a visit to the land of orange jumpsuits for filing an incorrect form.
I had previously contacted the DMV about transferring my car to my daughter but instead ended up selling it to Shelby Green, a co-worker. I had been advised to go to a link and print out a transfer form and note of sale.
So, I made sure weeks earlier, that any fees applicable to my vehicle being sold were paid before the surgery. I am so anal about following rules, being transparent, telling the truth, and helping people, but I failed in my own paperwork.
I was so mentally stressed by the upcoming surgery that I failed to complete this process. Weeks later, when I was able to be moved in a vehicle, Ms. Green drove me to my office and I grabbed the papers.
What’s the big deal? Well, I failed to read the form or correct the letter I had pre-written for my daughter. I simply signed my line, typed in Ms. Green’s name on the letter, and we were off to the tag office.
Upon arrival, the clerk took the forms, did not ask any questions, and got out a new plate. I asked why and she stated, “New owners get one and the fee is $71.20.” I replied I had already paid the renewal early and nothing was owed. She never explained nor did she ask about the incorrect forms. She processed the tag, we all laughed about the Easter decorations, and left.
Within 30 minutes Shelby and I were both arrested on felony charges of filing a false document. You can imagine the shock we both felt, thinking we had done everything right and it was finally her car.
A trip to the City of Eatonton Police Department, fingerprints, photos that would not look like glamour shots, and we were off to the Putnam County pokey.
Hours later, a visit with the judge at the sheriff’s office, $10,000 in bonds, and we were on our way back home.
I must commend both The Eatonton Police and Putnam County Sheriff’s departments. I was treated with the utmost respect due to my medical condition, with doors held open, and gentle and kind assistance in every way.
The police followed the law and did what they thought to catch two criminals. However, a simple question by the clerk at the tag office could have – would have – prevented all this.
So, what’s the lesson here? Never be under the influence of a medical condition requiring an extensive battery of medications and try to file forms. And simply ask, before signing on the dotted line, am I doing this right?
Sincerely, George Craig Putnam County