A Washington, County Man With A History Of Driving Under Suspension Receives No Time In Jail

Not long ago, a 52-year-old man in Washington County was pulled over and charged with driving under suspension. With eight prior infractions, caused by mounting citations for failing to appear, he discovered the risks of driving under suspension increase considerably if convicted multiple times. In Pennsylvania, after six and subsequent offenses, the penalty can include a jail sentence between 30-days and 6-months. The man had recently started a new job and would certainly be terminated if he had to serve such a lengthy term. In hopes of avoiding jail and saving his job, he reached out to the criminal traffic attorneys at Worgul, Sarna & Ness.

Attorney Matthew Ness reviewed the traffic code and zealously represented his client. During discussions, it was clear the officer was agreeable to amending charges; however, the judge felt constrained by the law’s requirements. Matt Ness pointed out that within the code an option existed to allow for a charge of driving without a license, which resulted in a $1,000 fine, but no jail time. The judge agreed and complimented our client for retaining a criminal attorney who knew the vehicle code in such detail. The client, who will not be eligible for a license until 2024, was pleased in the end because by paying the fine, he’d avoid a career ending jail sentence.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.