Devoted 96-Yr-Old Dad Gets Heartwarming Justice for Speeding

Though weâre all too familiar with the frustrations of speeding tickets, the recent case of a 96-year-old father appearing in court for a school zone violation has turned into a truly heartwarming tale.
Judge Francesco âFrankâ Caprio is the chief municipal judge of Providence, Rhode Island. He is probably most recognized from his television show, âCaught in Providence,â which showcases everyday court cases over which he presides. Caprio is most known for his practical judgments and unyielding kindness. While not every defendantâs story, nor their ending, is a happy one, Judge Caprio has a true desire to see the best in people and help the defendants he believes deserving. In the aforementioned speeding case, he was able to do just that.
The defendant, identified as Victor Coella, appeared before the court charged with exceeding the speed limit in a school zone. Mr. Coella responded to this charge with âI donât drive that fast judge. Iâm 96 years old and I drive slowly and I only drive when I have to.â Judge Caprio appeared curious as to the reason he âhad toâ drive. Mr. Coella explains his son is disabled, and he must take him for blood work every two weeks because he also has cancer.
The judgeâs response to this information encapsulates both the spirit of Mr. Coella and the attitude of Judge Caprio. He says simply, âYou are a good man.â
Judge Caprio is a family man himself, with his brother as his showâs director and 3 other family members acting as producers, he inquires as to Mr. Coellaâs sonâs age. Mr. Coella replies his son is 63, and the judge, 82, in honor of the lifelong bond of fatherhood says, âDaddyâs still taking care of him, right?â He then gestures off to his left, and, unexpectedly, introduces his own son, sitting proudly beside a camera.
At the end of a heartfelt case, displaying on all sides the love a father has for their child, Judge Caprio still must make a ruling. He wishes Mr. Caprio and his son all the best, he wishes him good health and then dismisses the case.
Like heartwarming stories and not having to pay tickets? Check out this story on an Indiana district that let people pay for parking tickets with food and item donations to animal shelters.