Sarasota Driving Without a License Lawyer

In the state of Florida, it is the law that drivers are required to possess a valid driving license if they wish to drive on the roads. If you have been caught driving without a valid driving license in Sarasota, you may want to consider seeking help from a Florida criminal defense attorney.

At The Law Place, we have a wealth of experience in helping clients escape the worse penalties for charges relating to a criminal traffic violation. If a police officer has caught you driving with no valid license in Sarasota, we recommend that you arrange a consultation with a Sarasota criminal defense lawyer. Many people in Florida fail to understand how serious the consequences can be for such a traffic violation.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a defense attorney at The Law Place, who will be able to examine your case and charges to determine what the best legal options available to you are. The attorney-client relationship at The Law Place is one of great commitment. Our criminal traffic violation defense lawyers fight as hard as they can to ensure the best outcomes for our clients.

How Is the Law Defined for Driving Without a License in Sarasota?

There are strict laws in Florida against driving on the roads with no valid license. Licenses that have been canceled, expired, suspended, or revoked are not valid. A person caught driving with a suspended license will face strict charges. It is also important that the license that a driver possesses is the correct type for the vehicle that they are driving. Florida Statute 322.03 clearly outlines what is meant by the law against driving with no valid license and what the penalties are for such an offense.

Penalties for Driving Without a License in Sarasota, FL.

If you are caught driving in Sarasota with a suspended license or a driver’s license that isn’t valid, unfortunately, you could face a second-degree misdemeanor charge. A charge of this nature could result in you having to pay a fine of up to $500 and having to spend up to 60 days in jail. However, if you have a clean criminal record with no previous traffic violation convictions, it is unlikely that you will be sentenced to serve time in jail.

We recommend that if you are facing any type of charges for a traffic violation that you seek the help and guidance of an experienced defense attorney. An attorney will be able to look over your case to see if you are eligible for a pre-trial division program. To complete this program, you will need to pay money to get your license back and stay away from any trouble with the police. If you are successful in completing the program, there is a chance that your charges may be dropped. Following this, an attorney will be able to work on your case in an attempt to get your charges removed from your criminal record.

Defenses That an Attorney Can Use in Sarasota

At The Law Place, we have helped countless people escape the worse penalties for being caught driving with no valid license. Our lawyers are experienced in defending people facing a charge for traffic offenses. Some of the most common defenses that our defense lawyers have exercised to challenge the evidence held against our clients are that:

• The driver was stopped unlawfully or detained unlawfully by the police officers at the scene.
• The driver was not driving on a public highway or street when they were stopped.
• The driver did own a valid driver’s license; it just simply wasn’t in their possession when they were stopped.
• The driver was in possession of a valid license; it was just an out-of-state or foreign license instead.
• The state of Florida does not have enough evidence against the driver to reasonably prove that the driver was operating a vehicle with no valid license.

It is crucial to act quickly if you have been caught driving with a suspended license or a license that isn’t valid. The sooner a defense attorney can begin work on building your case, the more likely it is that you will get your case dropped, or charge lessened.

Exemptions to the Requirement to Have a Valid Driver’s License

In Sarasota, there are a few exemptions to the rule that all drivers must be in possession of a valid license if they wish to drive on the roads in Florida. These exemptions are for:

• People who are operating farming machinery, such as tractors.
• Golf cart operators.
• A driver who is not a Florida resident but is at least 16 years old, in possession of a non-commercial driver’s license from their home state or country, and are driving a vehicle that requires a Class E driver’s license.
• A driver who is not a Florida resident but is at least 18 years old, and in the possession of a valid non-commercial driver’s license from their home country or state.

Sarasota driving without a license lawyer, FAQ

What are the consequences of driving without a license in Sarasota, Florida?

Driving without a license in Sarasota is considered a second-degree misdemeanor. The penalties can include fines, potential jail time, and further complications with your driving privileges.

How does a second-degree misdemeanor differ from a first-degree misdemeanor in terms of driving without a license?

While a second-degree misdemeanor typically results from a first-time offense of driving without a license, a first-degree misdemeanor may result from subsequent offenses or driving after a license has been revoked due to severe traffic violations.

What leads to a driver’s license suspension in Sarasota?

Several reasons can lead to a driver’s license suspension, including accumulating multiple traffic tickets, being deemed a habitual traffic offender, or being involved in a motor vehicle accident without adequate insurance.

Is driving with a license suspended more severe than driving without a license?

Yes, driving with a license suspended, especially knowingly, can be deemed a third-degree felony, especially if it’s a repeated offense or if you’ve been labeled a habitual traffic offender.

Can traffic tickets lead to my license getting suspended?

Multiple traffic tickets or serious traffic violations can result in becoming a habitual traffic offender, which can, in turn, lead to a driver’s license suspension.

Can I apply to restore my driving privileges after they’ve been suspended or revoked?

Yes, after serving the suspension or revocation period and fulfilling any other requirements, you can apply to reinstate your driving privileges. In some situations, you might be eligible for a hardship license during the suspension period.

What is a hardship license, and how can I obtain one?

A hardship license is a limited license allowing individuals with a suspended or revoked license to drive for specific essential purposes, such as work, school, or medical needs. To obtain a hardship license, you must demonstrate a genuine need and apply through the relevant state department.

If I have been charged with driving without a license or with a license suspended, should I consult with a lawyer?

Absolutely. Given the potential consequences of such traffic violations, it’s crucial to have legal representation. Many law firms, including ours, offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and understand the potential ramifications.

Contact The Law Place Today!

If you have been caught driving with a suspended license or a license that isn’t valid in Sarasota and are facing charges, we can help you. At The Law Place, we have an experienced team of criminal traffic defense lawyers with a wealth of experience in helping people escape the worse penalties for their traffic offenses.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a defense lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to examine your case to determine your best course of legal action. They will give you honest and unbiased advice so that you are aware of all of the options available to you.

For more information on how we can help you if you have been caught driving in Sarasota with a suspended or revoked license or a license that simply isn’t valid, don’t hesitate to call us. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.