I Need To Email The Judge!?

Question

I want to email the judge about a problem I am having. First of all, I was arrested in January '08 and plead no contest (didn't really know what this meant, I've never been in trouble) and they found me guilty and was convicted of eluding and driving on susp. license. I tried to withdraw my plea because I did not flee from the officer, I simply parked the car in the driveway and it ticked her off I guess. Well, anyway I got stuck with $2800.00 in fines which I am fine with, I made a mistake by pleading no contest. The problem is I just found out yesterday (6 months after I was arrested) that my license is being revoked for 2 years!!! I have my own business and this is what pays my bills and rent and now I can't drive! The DMV says I can't even get a restricted lic. unless the judge lessens the charges but I don't think he will go for that at all. Would it be a wise decision to email him and let him know my situation? I just don't want to be homeless with 4 kids!!!

Answer 1

Let's say it like it really was.  You knew what no contest meant because it is explained to you prior to entering a plea, and again before accepting the plea.  You were already driving on a suspended license, but failed to mention what is was suspended for.  That would be considered aggravation (negative evidence).  The Officer wasn't mad because you simply parked your car in your driveway.  It was everything you did prior to getting to your driveway, like attempting to elude.  You will not be able to email the Judge, but sending a letter to the court in care of the Judge would get it delivered.  All your information should have been brought out during the trial, and a hardship license would have been discussed then, not six months later.  The court, and the DMV feel that because of your past driving record, and everything that led up to your arrest, you do not deserve any driving privileges.

Answer 2

I do not believe that you can contact the judge directly. This would unethical on his part to discuss the case directly with you. You need to contact an attorney to see what recourse you might have. Since you pleaded no contest, you will need an attorney to file for a change in plea, if that is at all possible at this late date. Is it possible that you just forgot about that little detail when you were making your deal? It's a stressful situation to begin with, and it would not be unusual for you to not remember that detail of your plea deal.

Answer 3

Starrfyr is absolutely correct....I can't say it any better give her 10 points and do what she said.

Answer 4

I would not e-mail him, but rather write him a well thought out and grammatically correct, punctuated letter explaining the situation.

However, the fact is that you apparently HAVE been in trouble before because you were convicted of driving with a suspended license. You now suddenly are getting your license suspended again because you pled no contest, or because you didn't pay your fines or what?

Somewhere along the line, your actions are speaking loudly and honestly, if I were a judge, I'd have a hard time giving you a break.

It never hurts to ask, but if I were you, I'd be looking to make other arrangements for when the judge turns you down.

And if the case has already had it's day in court and the sentence has already been handed down, then it is proper to write a letter to the judge. It would be improper if your case was still pending.