To drive on the roads in Florida, you are required to own a valid driver’s license. If you have been caught driving with a suspended license or without a valid license in Fort Myers, you will be facing penalties for driving without a valid driver’s license. It would be wise to seek professional legal advice from a criminal defense attorney who has much experience helping those who have committed traffic-related offenses.
The attorneys at The Law Place have over 75 years of combined experience. We have offered our legal help to countless clients who were desperate to escape the very worst penalties for their traffic-related criminal offenses. An attorney-client relationship at our law firm is one of great commitment and loyalty.
If you have been caught driving your motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license in Fort Myers, FL., you should contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. The main law firm office is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone us now.
What Does It Mean to Drive Without a Valid Driver’s License in Fort Myers?
The law states what is classified as driving without a valid driver’s license under Florida Statute 322.03. The statute highlights what penalties a person can expect to face following their conviction in Fort Myers. The law in Florida clearly outlines that drivers of all motor vehicles must have valid driver’s licenses if they plan on operating their motor vehicles on public roads.
Therefore if your license is suspended, canceled, or revoked, you should not be driving on public roads in Florida. You need a valid driver’s license.
What exactly is meant by “driver’s license” in law is outlined under Florida Statute 322.01. A valid driver’s license in Fort Myers, FL., is essentially a certificate that gives a person the right to drive their motor vehicle on public roads. If you are suffering a license suspension and have been caught driving without a valid license, our criminal offense attorneys can offer you legal advice and guidance.
What Happens if You Get Caught Driving Without a License in Fort Myers, FL?
If you are arrested following a traffic stop in Fort Myers, FL., for driving with a suspended license or without a valid license, you will face a conviction for your offense. If your conviction is successful, you will likely face the following penalties:
- 60 days of jail time.
- A fine of $500.
If this is the first time you are facing a traffic-related charge, you may be able to resolve your citation if you have the professional help of an attorney. To do this, you will need to obtain a valid license and then pay a $25 court assessment fee. If you are successful, you will be able to escape the harsh penalties. For you to succeed on this path, you must not have committed the same offense within the previous 12 months.
Can You Go to Jail for Driving Without a Valid License in Fort Myers?
If you have been caught driving with a license suspension or without a valid license, it is possible that you could end up in jail. Florida law is very strict when it comes to traffic crimes. The length of your jail sentence in Florida will likely depend on how many times you have committed the same offense. For example,
- The first charge for drivers will result in a maximum of 60 days in jail.
- The second charge for drivers will result in a maximum of one year in jail.
- The third or subsequent charge for drivers will result in a maximum of five years
Our attorneys realize that everyone makes mistakes and that the prospect of being locked up is very daunting. Our lawyers would like to reassure you that from working with our previous clients, we have learned that it is unlikely that first-time offenders will be locked up. If you have any questions or worries, please don’t hesitate to contact our lawyers at our law firm to schedule a free consultation for some legal advice.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience
Does Florida Have a Grace Period for Expired Driver Licenses?
Driving with a license suspension or without a valid license in Fort Myers is greatly frowned upon. However, all drivers are given a grace period of six months following the date of their license expiration. If you are caught after these months have passed, you will face the full brute of the law.
If you are caught driving without a valid license, and it is within six months of your license expiring, you will be awarded a $30 fine.
Although you have this grace period, our lawyers strongly recommend that you seek to replace your expired license as soon as possible. It is simply not worth the hassle or risk. For more advice, contact one of our lawyers today for a free consultation.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
Can I Still Get Around With a Suspended License in the State of Florida?
If you have experienced a license suspension, you will have to wait a certain fixed period of time before you can drive on the roads in Florida again. Although, there are ways around this. It may be possible to get your license reinstated following a hearing.
To regain your driving privileges, you will need to complete a 12-hour Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) course. If you have been able to maintain a hardship license, you will be able to drive in Florida, albeit restricted.
A hardship license can be handed to a driver who has had their license revoked or suspended. It enables drivers to operate their vehicles where necessary. For example, drivers with a hardship license will only be allowed to travel to work, school, etc. If you are hoping to regain your driving privileges, you should get in contact with our lawyers.
What Defenses Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Use in Fort Myers, FL?
If you agree to be our client, our defense lawyers will be able to help you out greatly. An attorney at The Law Place will have a range of defenses that they can use for your case. Some of these include:
- You were unlawfully stopped with your traffic stop. Your detainment was, therefore, not legal at the scene.
- You were not driving on a Florida public highway.
- You did possess a valid license. You simply did not have it on you or in your vehicle when you were stopped by police.
- The state does not have enough evidence to prove that you were breaking the law and driving without a driver’s license.
Contact The Law Place Today!
If you have been arrested for driving without a license in Fort Myers, a defense lawyer at The Law Place can help you regain your driving privileges and escape the very worst penalties for your offense. We can offer you all of the legal help and legal guidance you need.
We are aware that everyone makes mistakes. Therefore no matter if you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), driving without a license, or reckless driving, we can help you.
We have practice areas all over Florida. Therefore, no matter where you have been arrested, our lawyers can help you. The sooner you contact us, the better. To schedule your free case evaluation with a reputable attorney, give us a call today.