Failure to stop at red light

I live in PA. In March of this year I was ticketed for an expired registration. I paid the fine late, incurring additional fees and a suspended license. I paid the additional fees, and recieved a letter from the court which indicated that all matters were settled. I didn't, however, realize that I had to take additional steps to get my license reinstated (my bad for not reading the entire letter.)

Last month, late at night, I pulled out too far into an intersection. Realizing my mistake, I got flustered and instead of backing up, I lifted my foot off the brake and drifted through the intersection. The officer was hiding nearby and pulled me over. At that point I found out that my license was still suspended.
He ticketed me for driving under suspension and failing to stop at a red light. The combination of points would kill me and the loss of my license would be devastating as well.

I was able to get my suspension taken care of immediately the next day, so I can at least show that it was negligence in taking care of the "paperwork" and not a serious traffic violation that I was under suspension for.

I pled not guilty in order to get a trial date, which is coming up this week. I plan on explaining the circumstances to the judge and asking for leniency. I have never received a ticket before and my last accident was over 10 years ago.

I am also a teacher in the district where I was stopped and a single mom with no other method of transportation between here, daycare and work. I'm not trying to "play a card" here, just establish my reputation.

Any suggestions as to what I should say at the hearing? What are the judge's options? And what is the likelihood that he will be lenient, given my driving record?

His clerk told me that his response to my ignorance of the suspension will be "ignorance is no excuse" which I understand, but I can't afford the charges. Help!

If you truly NEED your licence, get a lawyer who speicalises in traffic issues. Don't even think about going it on your own, because you (I mean this in a nice way) have no idea on how to approach this.

Obviously you are not a menace to society, so likely your lawyer can arrange a deal outside of court, perhaps involving money and remedial traffic school.

Your case is not all that unusual. Many people think that the court automatically reinstates your license when all the fines are paid. Unfortunately you still have to pay another fine to the DMV.

MagicRat is absoultely correct. You need an attorney who should be able to work a deal. Going it alone is not a good idea where your license is at stake. You may want to check out

Pre-Paid Legal Services (http://www.prepaidlegal.com/info/aoates)

You can sign up online and it will also provide you with valuable legal protection since you are a teacher. There will be a fee since you were not a member but it will be cheaper than normal.

I wouldn't mention that you are a teacher. The judge is likely to hold you to a higher standard.