Is It Worth Hopping a Turnstile?

Is It Worth Hopping a Turnstile? Turnstiles are gates that permit access to an area after payment has been received; typically this involves tapping or swiping a card or inserting coin.

People who step over turnstiles may face legal consequences for fare evasion; how can they defend themselves effectively?

Why do people jump turnstiles?

Turnstiles are gates that open when people insert coins, tickets or passes into them; their most frequent application is paid access to public transport; however they’re also commonly found at airports, museums and office lobbies. While turnstiles(hopping a turnstile) are designed to make passage difficult by making jumping over or ducking under difficult, anyone who’s ever hopped over an iron fence on the playground knows it can be done with practice!

But for decades, hopping subway turnstiles has been seen as more than just a simple class A misdemeanor; often subject to aggressive policing as one of the first examples of “broken windows,” or the idea that minor offenses should be penalized to solve larger ones. New York City remains one of the only places which still arrests individuals for this offense.

The city’s approach to this issue appears inconsistent; one study discovered that neighborhoods with the highest arrest rates for subway card swipe-related arrests tend to be poor black ones despite poverty and crime levels being taken into consideration. Furthermore, penalties associated with these offenses tend to be severe; typically fines include court fees that quickly add up.

Not having enough money for fare may discourage some from riding public transport; but that won’t deter others who simply need to reach work, school or family destinations.

What are the penalties for hopping a turnstile?

Josh’s case is an extreme example, but it serves to illustrate that fare evasion penalties can have devastating repercussions for individuals’ lives. Aside from paying fines and court fees for such offenses, there may also be opportunities costs such as having to miss work in order to attend hearings for something as minor as jumping a turnstile(hopping a turnstile).

Josh’s situation and others like it is not limited to Philadelphia; rather it reflects a nationwide trend. A 2014 New York Times report highlighted this point by noting the doubled arrests for fare evasion since 1990; also discussed was how police tactics, including high-profile enforcement strategies have played a part.

New York City made headlines in 2019 for a crackdown on turnstile-jumping, where Mayor de Blasio unveiled a strategy that involved hiring 500 transit police officers and placing plain-clothes officers throughout subway stations to combat turnstile-jumping. These efforts came following NYPD reorganization to reduce violent crime; and appear to have worked; since the crackdown started, subway crimes have decreased substantially.

Even so, observers maintain that these policies unfairly target low-income commuters on their way to work and have too severe penalties. No matter your status if accused, if charged or suspected it would be wise for an experienced criminal defense attorney in New York to review your case and assess your defense options.

How can I avoid getting caught jumping a turnstile?

Though jumping a turnstile(hopping a turnstile) may seem harmless and without consequence, it should still be treated as criminal behavior and avoided in order to remain legal. Jumping turnstiles falls under the same punishment category as parking tickets with a $100 fine as penalty and legal assistance should be sought immediately in the event of being caught doing it.

One way you can avoid getting caught is by paying close attention to the speed with which you swipe your MetroCard. Swipe slowly enough so as to give other commuters enough room, and aim to swipe from the same direction every time – this will reduce the possibility of accidentally striking a bar and potentially getting ticketed.

Be mindful when entering and exiting a subway station during rush hour to prevent becoming an obstruction for other riders trying to use turnstiles. Be respectful when entering and exiting, to prevent becoming an unnecessary bottleneck for others.

Finally, it’s essential to keep in mind that if caught, the NYPD will run your name through their database and label you as a possible fare evader. In such an instance, it’s crucial that if arrested for this offense that they contact an experienced New York criminal defense attorney immediately in order to receive proper legal representation for their case – someone familiar with fare evasion as well as other violations can help ensure you receive quality legal counsel in this matter.

How can I get help if I get caught jumping a turnstile?

Turnstiles (hopping a turnstile) are gates with rotating arms that open to allow people to pass in an orderly fashion. Turnstiles are commonly found in subway stations, airports, amusement parks and stadiums. Turnstiles may be manually or electronically operated as well as locked down for safety. Some styles feature free-pass modes that permit entry without authorization while controlled passage mode requires valid credentials while lock down mode prevents entrance or exit altogether.

Fare evasion remains illegal, yet Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance recently made public statements declaring his office will only pursue repeat offenders and those found with other serious offenses for fare evasion. This declaration has caused heated discussions over whether it is ethical to arrest poor people for jumping turnstiles.

AmNewYork Metro recently rode along with transit police as they worked to prevent fare evasion in its tracks. We witnessed riders using creative strategies to avoid paying their fares, from classic two-handed vaulting techniques and opening emergency exit doors without paying, to pulling back turnstiles backwards and using one leg to jump over them en masse.

If you are caught hopping a turnstile, the penalty could reach up to $100. To defend your rights effectively and protect your rights effectively, hire an experienced New York criminal defense attorney such as Phillip J. Murphy who specializes in various forms of criminal law cases and can provide invaluable legal help during your defense case. Get in touch today for a consultation appointment so we can give you the assistance needed.