Desperately in need of help (advice and answers)....

[rhdscait]

The basis of the story... last year I was put on probation for speeding (reckless driving). I was fined $500 with a 60 day license suspension. Another $500 and a 10 day jail sentence was suspended on good behavior. Well, I got two more speeding tickets after this. My last ticket was on March 23rd of LAST year. I just got served (at my parent's house, which I no longer live there) to go to court on the 24th of February because I broke probation. Apparently, I'm looking at jail time. I guess it would be considered general district court. My problem is.... this was over 7 months ago, I've since had a baby (he's still a newborn) and I'm breast-feeding him. I cannot be away from him. Should I find a lawyer? Or what should I do? And, is there any way to avoid jail time? Is there something saying medically my son cannot be away from me or what? He also has severe reflux and we have no one to watch him if I go to jail (I'm a stay-at-home-mom) and we cannot afford daycare.

Thank you, in advance.

I wanted to edit to add that it's 2006 Virginia Code- 19.2-306 Revocation of suspension of sentence and probation

 

[mightymoose]

It is unlikely you would be given jail time, but you never know. You have the best chance of avoiding jail if you lawyer up.
Personally, I don't think you should use the baby as an excuse. You would be more convincing if you simply showed some genuine remorse for what you did. Heck, if I was a jduge and heard you try to use your child as an excuse to stay out of jail I just might be more tempted to lock you up.

 

[rhdscait]

Thank you. I am remorseful for what I did, honestly. And, after becoming pregnant and having a child of my own, I understand the recklessness I was showing and the danger I put other's in. That is why for more than 7 months now, my record is clean. No tickets, etc. I didn't plan to use the baby as an excuse. He does have medical issues but that's neither here nor there. That, I guess, was my way of explaining my motivation for avoiding jail time as much as possible.

 

[bluemann33]

As mighty said the judge probably wont put you in jail. If the judge does then its only 5 days. Hire an attorney and hope he/she can make this all go away. I would'nt even bring the baby to court, alot of judges get ticked when they see people trying to use their kids as an excuse to stay out of jail or when the child disruptes the judges court. Good luck to you.