Big Big Trouble

[jmule]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Maryland

Last night while driving home I was pulled over for 70 in a 55MPH zone. That in and of itself is no biggie, but I had a speeding ticket prior that wasn't paid and my license was suspended because of it. I have severe money problems, which is why the ticket wasn't paid and my license was suspended. I told the officer this up front, so I can no longer use the "I didn't know my license was suspended" defense. My driving record is horrible all from speeding tickets and I don't think the judge will be easy on me at all. In Maryland, I may even get jail time out of it. I have a wife and two kids and I cannot afford a lawyer. I work very long hours and can barely get by. I am told that I need a lawyer, but even making payments is impossible right now. Are there any lawyers out there who might represent me free of charge? My family's existence depends on it. I am the sole provider and I have no where to turn.

[The Occultist]

If the point of your post is to ask for a lawyer, then you're not going to find the help that you are seeking. If you are searching for a lawyer, then please use the "find a lawyer" application that is in the right frame of pretty much every page of this site.

[FlyingRon]

There isn't any "I didn't know my license was suspended" defense anyhow.
The cop is not the one who you mount the defense to anyhow. He doesn't care.
The sad answer is that there are personal and financial responsibilities to driving a car that you seem unwilling to accept. There were probably options for the ticket with your financial situation and the time to have made those arrangements were before you were suspended (or at least before you choose to drive again after the suspension).

Lucky this happened in Maryland, you're just racking up more points and fees.

You'd be flirting with criminal charges over here in Virginia.

[jmule]

I Maryland, it is a "borderline" criminal offense to drive under a suspended license. The same a Virginia. I will receive a summons to go to trial. The officer did not have to let me go home at all. He could have impounded the car and threw me in jail.