Legal Question in Traffic Law in Pennsylvania

If not notified by authorities, can i fight it?

At 15, I got caught with driving under age w/o a license. I was put in a program from mid Jan. till April 22. In that time I was not notified about any documents in which I was to sign. I got a 2 yr. suspension on my license. I went and passed my permit after 2 yrs and was told to I have a 2 yr suspension I never started. My probation officer never told me about any document nor did the Lehigh Valley Children and Youth. Now that I turned my life around and passing school with honor roll, I can't get my license to get to work or get to college next . I graduate high school this year and I have one yr at Vocational School to graduate there. I need my license in order to procede with my life and profession as a heavy equipment operator. In order to get a job in this field in any position, I need my inspection and emmisions license. I need my drivers license in order to get certified for them. Because I wasn't notified about any papers to sign or that there was any papers to sign, would I have a case to fight if I take it to court? Considering I am doing well in all that i do and can get letters of recommendation from people that deal with me on a daily basis stating my character changed, would that give me any leverage in my case?


Asked on 2/17/06, 3:35 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Charles A. Pascal, Jr. Law Office of Charles A. Pascal, Jr.

Re: If not notified by authorities, can i fight it?

From what you're saying, you were notified at the time of a 2-year suspension. In that notice, it would have told you what you had to do. The entire question in these cases is whether you had proper notice at the proper time. From what you're saying, you did. No one is required to hold your hand and tell you what to do if you received the proper notice from PennDOT.

Your character, and letters of recommendation have no bearing on anything related to license suspension issues. I agree with the previous attorney, if you can negotiate something with some sympathetic bureaucrat, that's your best choice. From what you're saying...assuming it's accurate...a court won't be much help to you in this case.

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Answered on 2/21/06, 2:42 pm
Jay Hochberg

Re: If not notified by authorities, can i fight it?

Fighting the Department of Transportation in court would not be my first recommendation. These types of cases call out for negotiation and persuasion at the administrative level. My advice is to retain counsel. Contact your local bar association for referrals.

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Answered on 2/17/06, 8:54 am


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