"Did the landowner grant you permission to enter?"
"The HOA maintains historical access rights!"
"No, it doesn't," Morrison corrected her smoothly.
She pointed angrily at the swale. "He knew I would drive through here!"
Morrison turned toward me. "County permit, Marcus?"
I handed him the folder containing our approved permits, inspection reports, and proof of certified delivery to Karen's home address.
Morrison scanned the documents carefully. "You signed for this notice twelve days ago, Mrs. Petton."
"That doesn't mean the area is safe!"
"The notice explicitly warned you the area was unsafe for motor vehicles."
She crossed her arms defensively. "You are taking his side!"
"I am evaluating the physical evidence," Morrison replied. "Mr. Chen permitted a county drainage project. You drove a heavy vehicle onto soft ground after cutting a chain on a locked gate."
"I was enforcing HOA access!"
"You hold no authority to enforce anything on private property."
Karen’s voice rose to a shriek. "I am an HOA board member!"
"Not on this side of the property line," Morrison said, opening his citation book.
She stared at him in disbelief. "What are you doing?"
"I am issuing a citation for criminal trespass and property damage."
"You cannot cite me!"
"I gave you a formal warning in person," Morrison stated calmly.
"This is targeted retaliation!"
"No, ma’am. Retaliation would be Mr. Chen damaging your property after you damaged his." He pointed to the sunken SUV. "This is simply mud."
Desperate, Karen dialed her husband on speakerphone. "Richard, get out here immediately! Marcus Chen trapped my car!"
A long pause ensued over the line. Finally, a weary male voice responded, "Karen... why are you on his land again?"
"He blocked the HOA access route!"
"There is no HOA access route, Karen."
Her expression froze. "Are you taking his side now?"
"I am taking the advice of the board's attorney. The HOA sent everyone the legal opinion last week."
"You knew about this?"
"I told you about it last week," Richard said quietly.
Karen lowered the phone slightly. "You never support me."
"I am trying to keep you from getting arrested."