Traffic School & Defensive Driving

Melissa took a deep breath. "I don't have any good explanation for what I did, Your Honor, so I will just express my regret and accept your decision."

"Very well, Miss Johnson. Having recorded your plea of nolo contendere, I find you guilty of all charges. You are hereby ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $2,500, which will include your misdemeanor citations as well as your DUI. “In addition," the Judge added, "I sentence you to six months' probation, during which time you will be expected to complete 60 hours of community service. Your license will also be suspended for the next 30 days." The judge paused and looked at Melissa seriously. "Miss Johnson, while I would prefer that no one chose to drive while intoxicated, I am glad that you did not injure yourself or anyone else when you did. While this is a difficult sentence, I hope that it will remind you to make certain that nothing like this happens again. A great many people are not this fortunate when drunk driving is involved, and I would be much more harsh if I saw you again under those circumstances."

Melissa nodded solemnly. "Yes, Your Honor."

The judge nodded in return. "Bailiff, please take Miss Johnson to the processing area," he said, rapping his gavel on the bench. "Next case, please."

Melissa looked at Andy, whose face was grim but encouraging. He waved slightly as the bailiff led her out of the courtroom. Melissa looked around briefly, and heaved a sigh. The judge was right. It was going to be a hard sentence – being without her license already had been difficult – but she would make very sure that she would never be in court as a defendant again.