Gregory Mitchell appeared by video and pleaded guilty to two counts in Lake Forest Park Municipal Court on Jan. 1. The court accepted his plea and found a factual basis for conviction on both counts: driving while license suspended (third degree) and operating a vehicle without the required ignition-interlock device.

Mitchell’s attorney, Reid Myers, said the plea was knowing and voluntary and asked the court to follow the agreed recommendation. The prosecutor confirmed the city’s recommendation and both parties urged the court to accept the plea.

The judge imposed concurrent suspended sentences: 90 days with 90 days suspended on the driving-while-suspended count and 364 days with 364 days suspended on the ignition-interlock count, meaning no active jail time was imposed. Fines of $1,000 and $5,000 were also fully suspended. The court further ordered two years of conditions tied to the suspended sentences: no criminal-law violations, no alcohol- or drug-related infractions, and no driving without a valid license and proof of insurance; the court advised Mitchell to keep the court informed of any change of address.

Defense asked the court to consider waiving fines under the authority referenced in the hearing; the court found Mitchell indigent as referenced in the record (the transcript references "Blizena" in connection with indigency; the case name in court records should be confirmed by the clerk).

The judge told Mitchell the clerk would provide a copy of the judgment and sentence and expressed hope Mitchell could restore his driver’s license soon, noting that regaining a license can affect quality of life and employment.

Next steps: Mitchell will receive paperwork for signature and will be subject to the two-year suspended-sentence conditions ordered by the court.