I got a conditional discharge on a possession of a hypodermic (6 mo. Ago) and I just violated it by driving w/o a valid license which is a missdeminor in n.y. the only terms of my discharge were no police contact. I have been drug free and have been working full time since my release. What are my chances of staying out of jail? Please help I am terrified because I finally turned my life around and now it is all going to be taken away from me simply for driving myself to work. I can't even afford a real lawyer. What are my chances of staying free?

NY is tough - I actually live in NY.

You've had Police contact, of course, so you've violated.

Were you driving with your license suspended or revoked or something else?

The Court is NOT going to think you were "simply" driving to work. The Court is going to think you were breaking the law.

If you can afford a "real" lawyer see if one can be appointed for you. I wouldn't go into this without legal representation - not in NY, not at this time.

You've been drug free. You had a drug problem in the past? That will also enter into the equation.

Was the "possession" disposition the result of an arrest for something more serious, a plea bargain you worked out?

While I doubt you will go to jail, I do suspect what before would have not showed up on your record will now show up and they may impose a longer probation time now.

You can not afford not to have a "real" attorney