A woman in her mid-50s was recently charged with driving on a revoked license, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia. The woman is the sole supporter of two grandchildren on disability income, and fines, along with potential jail time, would severely affect her ability to provide for her family. She looked to Roanoke criminal law firm Copenhaver, Ellett & Derrico to help her through this case. Attorney Cerid Lugar attended two court dates on the client’s behalf in Roanoke County General District Court.
Though the client had multiple charges of driving under suspension in the past, of her own volition she worked pay fines and court costs that remained outstanding on her account, even despite her limited income on disability. Cerid’s defense focused primarily on the client’s good faith efforts to take steps towards repairing her driving record and obtain a restored operator’s license. By agreement with the Commonwealth, the charge was amended to a no operator’s license – despite the fact that the evidence was sufficient to convict. The case was taken under advisement for 12 months, with the requirement that the client pay the remaining court costs and obtain her license during that interim period. If completed as agreed to, the court agrees to dismiss the charge.
Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.