Thank you for your comments. Unfortunately, we are "poor folk", and helping him with a lawyer is not an option (I can't even afford to go to the doctor to check my own health). So, he will be reliant upon the expertise of the Public Defender. I will recommend AA to him, but he doesn't think he has a problem, just is drinking with his friends because it's fun and there's nothing else to do. An extremely strong-willed individual, I cannot "make him" do anything. I could kick him out of the house, but he'd be homeless. I won't do that to him. He is at what I hope is the worst situation in his life and I think he needs me to help him as much as I can...even if that is emotional support, unconditional love, and encouragement and advice. I guess that is why I'm trying this on-line method of seeing what to expect, and if there's anything he/I could do to help the bleak situation. I know...he knows...he blew it major big time this time. Like you said, he was given a chance and totally blew it. He lost everything...his truck, his hopes (?) of going into the Navy, all his money (he used his inheritance from his father's death to pay for all the DUI classes and fines the first time around, and his now-gone truck). I worry that all this stress, impending financial disaster and bleak future could prove too much for a 19-year old. Did you consider my specific questions: if the fact that he was eligible at the time of this accident to get his license means it was no longer technically "suspended"?, and the other one: that because they didn't test his blood level at the scene with the vehicle, that that could in some way negate the charge of DUI? Thanks for listening, and your response...