Sir,
Are your vehicles REGISTERED as TxFMV's?
Are they also registered IN YOUR NAME or is a business name on the Title/Registration?
Do you RESIDE on the property, and is it your HOMESTEAD under Texas Property Tax Code definitions?
How you answer these questions could be key to your defense.
(NOTE: I am not a lawyer. However, please be sure that your attorney has considered these FACTS.)
Yes, the reason I complied at first and let the non military stuff go was so I could stall for time and $$ to prepare the things that are the most defend-able.
Everything is in my name.
There was never any type of business associated with my owning the vehicles and keeping them at my residence.
Everything is registered as TxFMV and is current.
Everything was current before I went to court on the day they identified the military vehicles as non compliant.
All vehicles I currently own are drivable.
The property is and was my residence and homestead for over 22 years.
Until I recently sold some of my military vehicles for funds to deal with this lawsuit I have had no history of buying and selling any motor vehicles.
I have only bought, repaired and used the trucks at TxFMV compliant events.
I have never charged anyone or even accepted gas money for using the trucks.
My attorney knows all this and has personally seen the vehicles and met with my neighbours. I don't think the city can win in a jury trial. I think if I fight this and win it might help others that aren't lucky enough to have neighbours like mine. I bought my house when I was 22 years old and still have the same neighbours. Their grand kids, now about 22, have known me all their lives and have nothing but good things to say about me. I don't think I could be in a better position to win.
If I loose woe to the hobby...
Someone on the next street over was cited for junked vehicles. They went to jury trial and won under the pretence they were antiques. Now if you get a junk vehicle citation in San Antonio just say the magic word "antique" and it is supposed to go away. I think this is why they tried to get creative with the zoning issue.