Nearly 2 million drivers in Florida break the law by driving on a suspended license. It is a significant crime to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Florida while your driver’s license is either suspended or revoked. All too frequently, Florida drivers who are not represented by an attorney plead guilty to charges of driving with a suspended license, even if they are not fully aware of the long-term repercussions that will impact their driving privileges and criminal record.
The consequences of driving on a suspended license in Florida vary depending on the reason for the suspension. Some common consequences of driving on a suspended license include: being fined, having to go to driving school, having to pay higher insurance premiums, having to face additional points on one’s driving record, and having one’s driver’s license suspended or revoked.
This article will go into greater detail about the consequences of driving on a suspended license and reasons why an attorney can give you the help you need.
What Can Cause Your License to be Suspended in Florida?
There are many reasons your driver’s license may have been suspended or revoked. These reasons include but are not limited to:
- Reckless driving or DUI
- A failure to pay fines or fees
- Resisting an arrest charge
- Driving without a license
- Failure to show up in court
- Failure to take a breathalyzer test
- Failure to submit to a chemical test
- Failure to keep your vehicle in good operating condition
- Failure to provide proof of insurance
Florida Laws And Penalties for a Suspended Driving License
The penalties for driving on a suspended license in Florida vary depending on the reason for the suspension. Florida statutes and state laws regulate the consequences of driving on a suspended license in great detail.
- If it’s your first offense, it’s considered a second-degree misdemeanor, and you can be charged with 60 days of jail time and fines of up to $500.
- If it’s your second offense, it’s considered a first-degree misdemeanor, and you can be charged with up to one year of jail time and fines of up to $1,000.
- If it’s your third or subsequent offense, it can be classified as a third-degree felony charge. You can be charged with up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Additional penalties for driving with a suspended license may include:
- Additional restrictions on where you can drive, such as a ban on all driving at night or from midnight to 5 a.m., on the weekends, or on holidays
- Being able to drive only to and from certain locations
- Being required to attend low-cost driving school for one to two weeks
- Receiving a penalty of up to 3 points on your driver’s license
- Being required to complete a defensive driving course
- Increased payment for auto insurance
- Being required to pay higher fines for traffic violations
An experienced attorney can help you navigate the laws and penalties for driving with a suspended license in Florida.
Your Options When Dealing with a License Suspension or Revocation
If you have been arrested for driving with a suspended license, do not accept the guilty plea. This could result in unforeseen consequences with greater charges placed against you. This is why it’s crucial that you hire a defense attorney to help reduce or remove the charges placed against you. Some common legal defenses an attorney may use when defending your case include:
- The traffic stop was made illegally. This means the traffic officers stopped your motor vehicle in a manner that was not legal and without probable cause.
- The person accused of driving with a suspended license did not know of the suspension or revocation at the time of the stop or arrest.
- The accused person was not driving on a public highway or busy road during the time of the stop or arrest.
- The accused person was not the one driving at the time of the stop or arrest.
There are other options a defense attorney may present to you. If your license was suspended because you didn’t pay court fines, you can have your license reinstated once you pay those fines. If your license was suspended for DUI related offenses, you can apply for an ignition interlock device which checks your blood alcohol content before you’re allowed to start your car. You can also apply for a hardship license which is a limited license that allows you to drive based on necessity.
Find a Defense Attorney Who Can Help You
At Hanlon Law, we specialize in defending people who have been arrested or charged with driving with a suspended license in Clearwater, Florida. Don’t wait to seek legal assistance if you’re facing these kinds of charges.
Contact our legal team today for more information on how to reduce or remove your charges for driving with a suspended license.
Hanlon Law
600 Cleveland St #1100
Clearwater, FL 33755
(727) 897-5413
https://www.criminalattorneyclearwater.net