SUPREME COURT RULING AFFECTS JUDGES' ABILITY TO SUSPEND YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE:
The Supreme Court has issued a landmark ruling that may determine whether a judge can suspend your driving privileges for a traffic infraction. The Court declared: "The need for standards governing license suspensions touches on core constitutional principles.” The Court held that judges should consider at least seven factors when determining whether to suspend someone's license and the length of that suspension:
1) the nature and circumstances of a defendant's conduct, including whether it posed a high risk of danger to the public or caused physical harm or property damage;
2) defendants' driving records, including their ages and length of time as licensed drivers, and the number, seriousness, and frequency of prior infractions;
3) whether defendants were infraction-free for a substantial period before the most recent violation, or whether the nature and extent of their driving records indicates a substantial risk of another violation;
4) whether the character and attitude of defendants indicates they are likely or unlikely to commit another violation;
5) whether a defendant's conduct was the result of circumstances unlikely to recur;
6) whether a license suspension would cause excessive hardship to defendants or their dependents;
7) the need for personal deterrence.
