When Lindsay Thomas’s boyfriend neglected to pay the fine for her seatbelt violation, the state suspended the single mother’s license. The North Carolina Equal Access to Justice Commission’s NC Pro Bono Resource Center connected Lindsay with a pro bono advocate who helped her successfully navigate the civil legal system.
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One Lie and a 12-Year Battle: A Mom’s Mission to Win Back Her License and Life
Pay thousands of dollars in traffic fines or feed your family. Which do you pick? No one should have to make this kind of decision. Yet it was the nightmare scenario that 53-year-old Lindsay Thomas* felt like she was in — through no fault of her own.
It all started when Lindsay was cited for a simple seatbelt violation. Lindsay’s partner at the time promised to pay the ticket, and she put it out of her mind.
The problem? He lied.
Lindsay didn’t know her license was suspended for months. By then, it was too late. Her fines had grown, and she’d even been fined for failure to appear in court. Like nearly 75% of people whose license is suspended, Lindsay continued driving — and accumulated more penalties.
Her two children relied on her, and she had no other options.
By 2024, Lindsay’s outstanding fines totaled more than $1,750 — and there was no way, as a single mom and sole provider, that Lindsay could pay it.
“When I found out about the fines, I tried everything. You can’t make payment arrangements. I asked multiple times, and they said no. I asked about traffic school. I asked everything. I wanted to pay, but couldn’t,” Lindsay said. “If you don’t have that extra money, most people are going to do exactly what I did and choose to take care of their family.”
As she continued advocating for herself, Lindsay reached out for help to the NC Pro Bono Resource Center, a program of the NC Equal Access to Justice Commission. In collaboration with the legal community, the Commission empowers North Carolinians to navigate the civil legal system. The team has helped thousands of North Carolinians like Lindsay deal with suspended driver’s licenses.
After reviewing Lindsay’s DMV record, the PBRC connected her to Nelson Mullins attorney and pro bono advocate Jonathan Todd.
Lindsay reached out for help to the NC Pro Bono Resource Center, a program of the NC Equal Access to Justice Commission.
“Jonathan called me to discuss my situation. What I remember most is that Jonathan and Meghan [from the PBRC team] treated me like a human being, like I had value. Sometimes people don’t, when you have to ask for help,” Lindsay said. “He went above and beyond. He offered to help me get papers notarized, to take me to court himself. Everything.”
Through the PBRC’s Driver’s License Restoration Project, North Carolinians like Lindsay can get the legal help they need at no cost — and attorneys gain valuable pro bono experience, while contributing to their community.
With the program’s help, the courts dismissed Lindsay’s fines and outstanding tickets. Then, the DMV could reinstate her license. Today, she’s no longer afraid to go to work or to get groceries.
She’s also not concerned that she won’t be able to care for her family. Lindsay is now finishing requirements for her master’s degree in accounting — a goal she can pursue with her license in hand.
“What Jonathan and the NC Equal Access to Justice Commission team gave me was a chance — a way to get my life back,” she said.
*Client’s identity is protected through use of a pseudonym and a stock photo.