I'm on probation for a year and own 1500 dollars in fines, driving on suspended license. My daughter is only 4 weeks old. I have to pay 153.00 a month and I can't find a job anywhere. On top of this, I have 3 other children and no one around to care for them, my boyfriend works 2-10pm. Is there any way I can get the judge to trade my fines for community service? This is the second time I was fined this; unfortunately, I was unaware that once you're off probation you don't get you license back that quick or easily.

SOME of this depends on the State. You CANNOT in NY. There is no "trading" this for that.

Have you talked honestly with your PO? It would appear that the final decision is going to be that you AGREED to these terms instead of going to jail. If you want to trade probation for jail time, you can probably do that.

I understand you have young children. I don't think the Court is going to be sympathetic.

$1,500 for driving on a suspended license is a very heavy fine in my State. What were the circumstances of the first suspension?

That could make a difference.

First that should have been asked when the sentence was being given, Often, no since many times it is community service plus fines.

Normally you can trade fines and probation for time in jail, often they will put you on a work detail to earn small funds to pay off fines. I have a family member in south GA doing that right now, he will be out about July after getting things paid off from working on the chain gang ( slang for work detail)

But making a motion for this to the court and asking for a hearing is about the only way to know for sure

There were none for the first. I was driving and was pulled over (speeding) and arrested (suspended license) because I was unaware, the first time. As far as my children, I know they don't care. I will speak to my PO when I report. I can't afford to do jail time, however, getting up everymorning and doing community service is better than taking away from my family, money wise.