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Judge Kobly chastises man for not thinking of kids
By Joe Gorman
YOUNGSTOWN
Judge Elizabeth Kobly Thursday told a man with eight open suspensions on his license that he needs to think of his three children before he gets behind the wheel of a car.
Joseph Solomon, 25, was before the judge after entering a no-contest plea in municipal court to two counts of driving under suspension, the latest from Feb. 13. His attorney Kelly Newbrough asked if Solomon could be sentenced to house arrest so he could take care of his three children.
Newbrough said if Solomon was jailed, his mother would be forced to care for them and would be in danger of losing her job.
But Judge Kobly said Solomon should have been thinking of his kids when he decided to drive – knowing he is not allowed to do so.
“Why is it that I have to consider his children when he doesn’t?” Judge Kobly asked. Solomon was sentenced to 50 days in the Mahoning County jail after Judge Kobly found him guilty of both charges.
Solomon said he gave up both of his vehicles and no longer drives, but Judge Kobly said that he was missing the point.
“No one’s held a gun to your head and made you drive,” Judge Kobly said. “Why haven’t you considered your children each time you get behind the wheel of a car?”
Solomon answered: “Just being young and dumb.”
Judge Kobly said if his mother could not watch his children, she would contact the Mahoning County Children Services Board to make arrangements to care for them.
“I will see that your children get taken care of while you continue being an irresponsible parent,” Judge Kobly said.
She told him if he drives again after his sentence is up and is caught, he will go back to jail for an additional 30 days.
“The next time you get behind the wheel, you consider your children, not me,” Judge Kobly said. “That’s your responsibility.”