A driver who is caught operating their vehicle on a suspended license will be charged with a criminal offense in the State of Florida. It is important to take these charges seriously, as very few Florida drivers who have been charged with driving on a suspended license tend not to realize the severity of the consequences of being convicted in a case like this.
It is worth noting that drivers can also be charged with driving on a suspended license without knowledge, which means that the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) can use this to suspend your driver’s license for up to 5 years upon conviction, and if you have other charges, such as a DUI charge, on your driving record within a 5 year period. We highly recommend that you get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer before attempting to make a move after being charged with driving on a suspended license in order to avoid making any kind of mistake that could potentially be detrimental to your future.
If you have been caught driving with a suspended license in Clearwater, then you should hire a criminal defense lawyer who has knowledge of the law in Florida and the necessary skill to build a strong defense strategy for a suspended license charge. In some cases, it is possible for a driver with a suspended license to apply for a restricted or hardship license, which means they can drive around during the period of suspension. However, they will be restricted from driving to certain places at different times of the day with a hardship license.
The Law Place has managed hundreds of cases, such as reckless driving, DUI charges, driving while license suspended or revoked, car accidents, and other traffic violations. Our law firm has over seventy-five years of collective experience when it comes to helping clients fight their charges in Clearwater and throughout the State of Florida – regardless of what kind of case it is. Our practice areas also cover domestic violence, white-collar crimes, drug charges, trespassing cases, and even more.
If you are searching for the most reputable law firm in town, then you’ve come to the right place – The Law Place. A skilled lawyer will start your case by conducting an extensive investigation, gathering the facts together, negotiating with the prosecution and insurance companies, and developing a strong defense strategy to take into the courtroom. Rest assured that we will make sure that you have not been wrongfully charged for driving on a suspended license, and we will protect your rights in the State of Florida.
Don’t delay. Call The Law Place today to schedule a free consultation. Contact us now on (941) 444-4444 for a free case evaluation, and we will fight your driving with a suspended license charge together in Clearwater, Florida.
Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License in Clearwater, FL.
It would be highly beneficial for your case if you get in touch with a skilled lawyer from The Law Place as soon as possible following your driving on a suspended license charge. A criminal defense attorney will be able to advise you properly on how to approach your case and the best way to handle it. Our law firm has been fortunate to help many clients who have faced similar charges to yours, and we have always come out on top.
The penalties that you might be facing for driving with a suspended license are outlined in Florida Statute 322.34, and they include:
- Second-degree misdemeanor – A driver who has been caught driving with a suspended license for the first time will be convicted on a second-degree misdemeanor charge. The penalties will include facing up to 60 days in county jail and receiving a fine of up to $500.
- First-degree misdemeanor – A driver who has been caught driving with a suspended license for the second time will be convicted on a first-degree misdemeanor charge. The penalties will include spending up to 1 year in jail and receiving a fine of up to $1,000.
- Third-degree felony – A driver who has been caught driving with a suspended license for the third time will be convicted on a third-degree felony charge. The penalties will include facing up to 5 years in prison and receiving a fine of up to $5,000.
- Habitual-traffic offender – A driver who has been caught driving with a suspended license with three convictions on their driving record history within a 5 year period could be classed as a habitual traffic offender, and you could lose your license for 5 years. You will also be unable to obtain a hardship license for a whole year from the date of your most recent conviction.
Reasons for a License Suspension in Clearwater, FL.
You could have suspended your driver’s license based on a variety of reasons, such as:
- An accumulation of points, which could have been due to a series of other traffic violations that ultimately resulted in a driver’s license suspension.
- Lack of child support payments.
- A DUI arrest or conviction.
- Classed as a habitual traffic offender.
- Failure to make an appearance in court that had been ordered.
- Failure to pay the costs, judgments, or fines of the court.
- Failure to maintain obligatory auto vehicle insurance.
- A petty theft conviction.
- A DUI breathalyzer test refusal.
- A fleeing to elude conviction.
- A charge of racing on Florida highways.
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Potential Defenses for Driving With a Suspended License in Clearwater, FL.
If you are facing charges for driving with a suspended license, then a criminal defense attorney from The Law Place will develop a strong defense strategy that suits your specific set of circumstances. Our law firm has the knowledge and experience to tackle your charges with skill and efficiency.
A criminal defense attorney will start by conducting an extensive investigation into your case, gathering all the facts together, negotiating with the prosecution, and building a strong defense to reduce your charges and minimize the severity of the consequences.
Some of the most common defense methods that we can use to fight your charges include:
- An attorney can find evidence to prove that you were not the one driving.
- An attorney can discover legal issues that might have been associated with your traffic stop.
- An attorney can prove that the vehicle was not classed as a ‘motor vehicle’ according to the Florida Statutes.
- An attorney can show that you were not driving on a public Florida highway.
- An attorney can explain that you were unaware of your driver’s license suspension.
- An attorney can show that your driver’s license has been reinstated or that you had a valid reason to believe that your license was reinstated.
FAQ: Clearwater Driving with Suspended License Lawyer
What does it mean to be caught driving with a suspended license in Clearwater?
Driving with a suspended license in Clearwater means you have been caught operating a vehicle after your driving privileges have been temporarily withdrawn by the authorities. This can occur for various reasons, including DUIs, accumulating too many driving points, or failing to pay traffic fines.
What are the penalties for driving with a suspended license in Florida?
Penalties can range from monetary fines to jail time, depending on whether it’s a first offense or a repeat violation. Additional consequences might include an extended period of suspension, vehicle impoundment, or the revocation of driving privileges.
Can a criminal defense lawyer help if I’m charged with driving on a suspended license?
Yes, a Clearwater criminal defense lawyer can provide legal representation and may help reduce the penalties or seek to have the charges dismissed. They can also assist in reinstating your license and navigating the legal system.
What should I do if I didn’t realize my license was suspended?
If you were unaware of the suspension, you should contact a driving with a suspended license lawyer immediately. They can investigate why you weren’t notified and potentially use this as part of your defense.
How can a lawyer assist me if my license was suspended due to unpaid fines?
A lawyer might help you set up a payment plan or contest the fines that led to the suspension. They can negotiate with the court to have your license reinstated, often contingent upon settling outstanding fines.
What are my options if I need to drive for work and my license is suspended?
You may be eligible for a hardship license, which allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. A Clearwater driving with a suspended license lawyer can assist you with the application process.
Can a suspension be lifted, and how can a lawyer help with this?
Yes, a suspension can sometimes be lifted if you fulfill certain conditions set by the court. A lawyer can help you understand these conditions and take the necessary steps to have your suspension lifted.
Is there a defense strategy for driving with a suspended license in Clearwater?
Defenses might include lack of knowledge of the suspension, incorrect information on the notice of suspension, or proving that you were not driving the vehicle. A skilled lawyer can help identify the most viable defense based on your case.
How long does a driving with a suspended license conviction stay on my record in Florida?
Convictions can stay on your driving record for years and might lead to increased insurance rates and difficulty finding employment that requires driving. A lawyer may be able to appeal for the removal of the conviction from your record under certain circumstances.
What are the steps to take once I am pulled over for driving with a suspended license?
Remain calm and polite with the officer. Do not admit to knowing about the suspension, as anything you say can be used against you in court. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the incident.
Can repeat offenses of driving with a suspended license lead to more severe charges in Clearwater?
Yes, repeat offenses can escalate to felony charges, especially if the suspension was due to a DUI or if the driving led to an accident. Legal representation becomes even more critical in these cases.
How does having a lawyer affect the outcome of a driving with a suspended license case?
Having a lawyer can significantly affect the outcome. Lawyers can negotiate with prosecutors, challenge evidence, and represent you in court, all of which can lead to better case resolutions.
For further questions or to discuss your case with a Clearwater driving with a suspended license lawyer, please reach out to a reputable criminal defense firm in Clearwater.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience
Getting the Help You Need From a Criminal Defense Attorney in Clearwater, FL.
If you have been charged with driving with a suspended license, then you will need the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney to fight your traffic offense in Clearwater. It is important for your future that you hire a reputable law firm as soon as possible, following your charges. This will mean that an attorney can immediately get to work on finding a solution to your case.
The Law Place has over seventy-five years of combined experience and knowledge when it comes to tackling cases. Our law firm has the necessary skills to fight for your rights and protect your good name in the State of Florida.
If you decide to be represented by The Law Place, then a criminal defense attorney will conduct an in-depth investigation into your case, collect evidence and facts, negotiate with the prosecution and insurance companies, and build a substantial defense strategy to take into the courtroom. But above all else, we listen to you and what you have to say, and anything you share with us will be kept confidential, so you do not need to worry.
Our law firm has a comprehensive awareness of the law surrounding driving with a suspended license in the State of Florida, and an attorney will be able to guide you through the legal system with skill and efficiency.
It is possible that you may have been wrongfully charged, and we will work hard to get to the heart of the case and defend your legal rights. Rest assured that we will do everything to reduce the charges and decrease the severity of the consequences that you are facing for driving with a suspended license in Clearwater. With the help of The Law Place, anything is possible!
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with The Law Place today to schedule a free consultation. A criminal defense attorney will be waiting to hear from you. Contact us now on (941) 444-4444 for a free case evaluation, and we will fight your driving while license suspended charges together in Clearwater, Florida.
