Driving With a Suspended License Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
Driving a car is a privilege, not a right. If a court revokes your driving privileges, you will not be allowed behind the wheel until your license is reinstated. While this can be very inconvenient, ignoring the suspension and driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense. It can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on why your license was suspended and whether this was the first time you received such a penalty.
Those who enjoy the convenience of driving often live different lives than those who are denied that privilege. If you drove while your license was suspended, you may have thought you were fulfilling an essential task without harming anyone, but you were acting without respect for the law and the pertinent legal processes that are in place to encourage responsible behavior. This unfortunate decision complicates your suspended license situation further. You will need to seek the guidance of an experienced attorney, as you will likely face significant penalties before you would be allowed the privilege to drive again.
Rather than accepting the default position of pleading guilty to a charge of driving with a suspended license, make sure you first speak with an experienced Fort Lauderdale lawyer. Your case might feature certain overlooked factors which could potentially affect the outcome. Many of your future opportunities hinge on this decision, so contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Reasons Why You May Have a Suspended License in Florida
A judge may suspend your driver’s license for any of the following reasons:
- DUI arrest or conviction
- DUI refusal
- Points suspension
- A conviction for racing on a highway
- Failure to appear in court
- Failure to maintain auto insurance
- Classification as a habitual traffic offender
Call us today for a free case consultation, so that you may discuss your legal options with an experienced Fort Lauderdale attorney.
The Penalties For Driving With A Suspended License In Florida
If you are charged with driving with a suspended license, the consequences can vary. In some situations, you could face severe penalties, including incarceration. If you are convicted of a first-time offense, you could spend up to 60 days in jail. You may also have to pay a $500 fine.
A second conviction is considered a first-degree misdemeanor and carries a potential jail sentence of up to one year.
A third offense can become extremely serious. In such a case, you may spend up to five years in prison, and you may be fined up to $5,000.
Frequent convictions can also impact your ability to legally operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods of time. For example, if your third charge of driving with a suspended license is within five years of the last conviction, you could face a five-year revocation of your license. The court will consider you a habitual traffic offender in these circumstances.
Hardship Licenses
An experienced Fort Lauderdale attorney can help you apply for a hardship driver’s license. This is a common option to consider if yours has been suspended. Hardship licenses grant limited driving privileges for necessary travel, such as to and from work, the grocery store, etc.
Without the ability to drive for such essential tasks, you and your family may face significant strain on your ability to maintain a normal lifestyle. To pursue a hardship license, you may need to first enroll in an Advanced Driver Improvement course.
Be aware, however, that if you have three charges of driving on a suspended license in any five-year period, you will not be eligible to apply for a hardship license within the first year. Other factors can also affect your ability to pursue a hardship license, especially if your suspension is related to a DUI conviction. In some circumstances, you may need to fulfill additional conditions.
If you have received a suspension of your driving privileges, you need an experienced attorney by your side. Call The Law Offices of R. David Williams today to schedule a free consultation, so that you may discuss your legal options with an experienced attorney.
What Defenses Could Your Lawyer Use?
An experienced Fort Lauderdale driving with a suspended license lawyer may argue that you were not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the arrest. Alternatively, your attorney may build a case around the fact that you were unaware that your license was suspended. Another common defense tactic is to challenge the legal validity of the traffic stop and the initiating officer’s reasoning and conduct. Your attorney may also argue before the court that the vehicle you were driving did not fall under the state’s definition of a motor vehicle. The appropriate defense tactics for your case will depend upon the unique circumstances that led to the charge. During a free consultation, we can identify the strategy and next steps for your defense.
You Can Contest The Charge Of Driving With A Suspended License In Florida
Your Fort Lauderdale driving with a suspended license attorney will work vigorously to contest your charge. If there is no valid defense available for your situation, your attorney may negotiate for a lesser charge. Regardless of the particular circumstances of your case, your lawyer will use every strategy possible to help you avoid jail time and minimize any fines. Without the guidance of an experienced attorney, you would be subject to each of these threats without an informed strategy. At our firm, we listen to your concerns as we help you identify and pursue the right way forward for your future, given the circumstances. Take the first step today and call The Law Offices of R. David Williams to schedule a free consultation.