A driver’s license suspension can be severely problematic and hinder your ability to manage essential life tasks such as commuting to work, transporting your family, and doing daily errands. However, the penalties for continuing to drive a motor vehicle while your license is suspended are typically even more severe than the suspension.
License suspended driving can carry penalties that include jail time and permanent revocation of your driver’s license. This could also lead to you losing your job and seriously impact your quality of life.
If you have been caught driving with a suspended license, The Law Place attorneys understand the difficult situation you are in and the severity of the penalties you could be facing. We have extensive knowledge and skill in suspended license cases and are confident we can help you. Our highly experienced lawyers will aggressively defend you to minimize your charges and the subsequent penalties you receive.
Contact The Law Place legal team today at (941)-444-4444 for a free consultation and case evaluation.
What Offences Could Result in a Suspended License?
A range of traffic-related offenses could result in you having your driver’s license suspended. If you get too many points on your driving license within a given period, you could receive a license suspension. Common offenses and traffic infractions that result in points on your driver’s license include:
- Reckless driving.
- Speeding that results in an accident.
- Driving over the speed limit (above or below 15 miles per hour over the legal limit).
- Leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in property damage.
- Passing a stopped school bus.
In addition to an accumulation of points on your license, other offenses can result in a suspension, such as:
- Failure to pay a traffic fine or appear in court.
- Making a fraudulent driver’s license application.
- Refusing a drug or alcohol test as the driver of a motor vehicle.
- Certain traffic court convictions.
- Misuse of a restricted license.
- Failure to pay child support
Major offenses, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or a drug possession felony, may result in a revocation of your license.
Habitual Traffic Offenders
To be classified as a habitual traffic offender (HTO) in Florida, you must receive convictions of three or more traffic-related offenses within a five-year period. Offenses can include DUIs, driving while suspended or if your license is revoked, manslaughter involving the operation of motor vehicles, and failing to stop at the scene of a crash.
Similarly, if a driver receives more than 15 points on their license within five years, they will also be considered an HTO.
Habitual traffic offenders face a three to five-year driver’s license suspension. If an HTO is then caught driving while suspended again, they can face a third-degree felony conviction, substantial fines, and prison time.
How Long Will My License Be Suspended?
How long your license is suspended is determined by the severity of the offense, how many times you have been charged with similar traffic offenses, and how recently the other offenses occurred. Common suspension periods in Florida are as follows:
- For your first offense, your license will be suspended for a minimum of 180 days, up to a maximum of a year.
- If this is your second offense, within five years of the first, your license can be suspended for up to five years.
- For a third offense, that occurs within ten years of the second offense you could be facing license suspension of up to ten years.
- A fourth offense, at any period in your life, could result in a permanent revocation of your driver’s license.
- If you have been convicted of manslaughter, a DUI causing serious bodily injury, or vehicular homicide, your license will be suspended for at least three years.
- For a DUI manslaughter conviction, your license will be revoked permanently.
In some situations, you may be eligible to apply for a hardship license before the end of your suspension period, however, there are mandatory minimum terms of suspension before you can apply. The duration of the minimum term varies depending on the offense.
To get your license reinstated, you may need to attend traffic school, pay a reinstatement fee, or complete courses at DUI school. An attorney will be able to advise you on whether this could be an option for you.
Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License in Orlando
Knowingly driving a motor vehicle with a suspended driver’s license can result in severe penalties. For a first offense, you can be sentenced to 60 days in jail, increasing to one year for a second offense of driving with a license suspension. Three convictions can result in a felony charge that carries mandatory prison time, a license suspension of up to five years, and a lifetime status as a convicted felon.
Even if you are not directly caught driving while suspended, paying for a traffic ticket while your license is suspended could also cause you to lose your license for up to five years.
A charge of driving with a suspended license will also count as an offense toward a habitual traffic offender status if you are convicted of three or more similar offenses within five years.
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Can You Go to Jail for Driving With a Suspended License in Orlando?
The penalties if you are caught and charged for driving while your license is suspended in Orlando can be severe. Under Florida law, even a first-time offense can result in jail time. If it is a repeated offense, you may face mandatory prison time.
A lawyer specializing in driving with a suspended license cases can investigate the circumstances of your charge and build a strong case to defend you against conviction. An attorney will also negotiate the penalties you are facing and provide you with the best chance of reducing or avoiding jail time.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
Do I Need a Lawyer if I Am Charged With Driving With a Suspended License?
Legal representation will give you the best chance at fighting the criminal offense you are charged with and avoiding the harshest penalties. A driving with a suspended license defense lawyer can investigate the circumstances of your charge and potentially negotiate a lesser charge or minimize the penalties you are facing. You could have been subject to an unlawful traffic stop, if so, your attorney can leverage this to have the state dismiss your arrest. Even if this is not the case, a skilled attorney can negotiate with the state attorney to reduce your charges and the subsequent penalties you are facing.
In addition to fighting your criminal offense, your lawyer can appeal your suspended license with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles to get your driving privileges reinstated as quickly as possible.
The Law Place Attorneys Can Help
Suspended licenses are a challenging inconvenience to live with, however, the State of Florida imposes harsh penalties on those caught driving during this time. If you have been caught driving with a suspended license, an experienced attorney is crucial to minimizing your charges and the further challenges these penalties will bring.
Our attorneys have extensive experience successfully representing Floridians in suspended license cases. We will work tirelessly to minimize your charges and reduce the impact a suspended driver’s license has on your life. We can also work with you to reduce the amount of time your license is suspended, to get you back on the road legally and living your life normally, as soon as possible.
Contact The Law Place today at (941)-444-4444 for a free consultation and to discuss your case with an Orlando driving with a suspended license lawyer.
