:confused: :confused: Hi I am 25 year old female living in Long Island ny, I am currenty a student taking on a dual major, working full time. I just took on a summer internship and I am attending an outpatient drug program to which I am compliant and don't have any problems with.
I am going to court now for my second DUI conviction, the first time was almost 3 years ago and I had gotten a misdemeanor, no probation and a conditional license, this time they are trying to give me a felony and I know it will ruin the rest of my life.
What can I do to not let this ruin the rest of my life, or is there some way I can not get a felony? My lawyer has basically just dragged this out for 9 months just to make it look like I got my Moneys worth, they are offering me the same thingnow as they were 9 months ago, from day one. Had I taken the felony 9 months ago I would have my license back in 3 months and been half way done with probation already. School is my main priority and getting there is difficult when I can't drive, I find myself sometimes driving my car when I'm not supposed to and that's going to get me in even more trouble, but I sometimes have no choice I need to get to class and I cannot put anything on hold. Please help, is there anything that I can do??

Hello H:

Sure, there's a lot you can do. I'm not sure which direction you'd like to take, though.

You can fire your lawyer, get a new one, start over, and plead not guilty. Maybe he'll do a job more to your liking. Or you can take the deal now. Some states have special licenses that would permit you to drive to and from classes and nowhere else. I would negotiate that into my plea agreement - if you can.

I'm not going to tell you not to drive without a license, if they don't give you that dispensation - I'm not your father. I will tell you, that if you get caught, you may spend time in the slam and you probably won't get a license back for a decade. But, you already know that.

excon

I agree with excon, please don't drive without a license. Not only will you screw yourself, the officer stopping you can impound the vehicle and add more to your troubles. I've also seen where people have gotten arrested for DUS (driving under suspension) because the officer needed an arrest for the week.

Your SECOND DUI? Why the hell are they charging you with a felony? Isn't most places a misdemeanor for second, and felony for 3rd? Why felony?

Have you and your lawyer tried plea bargaining down to a misdemeanor offense?

Hello,
Unfortunately, I am in the same boat as you are. I am a grad student, 4 months away from graduation. I revcieved my 2nd DUI after 3 years. In California, 2nd DUI is still a misdemeanor. I feel that my career is over as well. I will be graduating while the rest of my class starts their careers, and sets the stage for advancement within the field. Do you know anyone who has been in a similar situation, but has overcome and still had a nice career?