QUESTION
3 stops while being on suspension and need help with substance abuse.
Asked on Aug 13th, 2018 on Drivers License Suspension - Pennsylvania
More details to this question:
I have been stopped and been fined three times on top of original fine for a DUI and now the three for driving under suspension. I have a drug addiction and need help. If I didn't have this addiction I wouldn't have been taking the chance driving. My mother is in a wheelchair and I help her daily with her needs.
1 ANSWER
So, if you need help with your drug addiction, what are you doing to get help? A judge is not going to acquit you because you were driving on a suspended license because you needed drugs. That is not a defense in any matter in the CW. A judge might be willing to help you out if you show that you are in a treatment program and getting help for your addiction. Most of the judges I practice in front of will not see you as a victim. They will see your mother as one, a victim of your decisions not the court's punishment for you making those decisions. Your first phone call should be to someone to do a drug and alcohol evaluation, your second phone call should be to a local defense attorney.
Driving under Suspension DUI related carries with it mandatory jail time. You are creating quite a big hole for yourself. I know this is a cliche but you need to talk to a local traffic attorney. Depending on the county there may be programs that help keep you out of jail. Importantly, often times inpatient time can be credited towards a jail sentence. These types of things require the deft touch of a local traffic attorney.
Answered on Aug 13th, 2018 at 11:10 AM