Florida Statute 322.03 states that it is unlawful for a person to operate a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license in the State of Florida. To be charged with driving without a valid driver’s license, you must have physical control of the motor vehicle, you must have been driving in a public place, and you must not have a driver’s license which has been issued by the state.
If you are being charged for driving without a valid driver’s license or driving while your license is suspended in St. Petersburg, then you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. A conviction for driving without a valid driver’s license or driving while your license is suspended can result in short and long-term consequences and penalties under Florida law.
At The Law Place, we have over seventy-five years of collective experience and knowledge in managing traffic cases for clients who live in St. Petersburg and throughout the State of Florida. Our law firm is highly trained to deal with complex cases, including driving without a valid license, driving while your license is suspended, habitual traffic offenders, and much more.
If you choose us to represent you, then a criminal defense attorney will investigate your case and collect all of the relevant facts and information in order to build a defense strategy against the charges. The phone lines to our office are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Contact The Law Place on (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation today.
What Is the Difference Between a Suspended License and No Valid License in St. Petersburg, FL?
The charges of driving on a suspended license and driving without a valid driver’s license are different offenses that carry different penalties.
In the case of driving without a valid license, there is no element of proof of knowledge. The state is only required to show that you were driving without a valid license. In the case of driving on a suspended license, there is an element of proof of knowledge. The state has to prove that you knew about your suspended license.
You will not be classed as a habitual traffic offender for a conviction of driving without a valid license, but a conviction for driving while your license is suspended will contribute towards getting classed as a habitual traffic offender.
Types of License Charges in St. Petersburg, FL.
There are a number of different license charges such as:
- Driving without a license.
- Driving on a suspended license.
- Driving with a revoked license.
- Driving with a canceled license.
- Permitting an unauthorized person to drive.
A criminal defense attorney from The Law Place has the necessary skills and resources to deal with all of the charges as listed above. We will help to guide you through the legal system and fight to get your case dismissed in St. Petersburg. Our team of criminal defense lawyers has managed hundreds of license cases, and we will fight for your rights. Call our office to set up a free consultation now.
Driving Without a License Penalties in St. Petersburg, FL.
Every person who operates a motor vehicle is required to possess and display a valid driver’s license in the State of Florida.
License Not in Possession
If a driver fails to display a valid license upon the request of a police officer, then it will result in a driving without a license citation, but it does not necessarily have to result in a conviction. If a driver is able to display their license (and it was valid at the time that they were issued a citation), then the court clerk will dismiss the ticket, and they will charge the driver a dismissal fee of $10. If the ticket does not get dismissed, then the fine will be $30.
Driving Without a Valid License
Driving without a valid license is classed as a misdemeanor in the State of Florida. The penalties include spending up to 60 days in jail and paying a fine of up to $500. However, an eligible driver can resolve the citation by getting a valid license and paying a $25 court assessment fee (the option is available for drivers who have not resolved another citation in the past 12 months).
Exemptions
There are certain people, such as military personnel and non-residents, which might be exempt from driver’s license requirements.
Driving While Suspended or Revoked Penalties in St. Petersburg, FL.
A driver who operates a motor vehicle while on a suspended, restricted, or revoked license can possibly face jail time, fines, and motor vehicle impoundment.
First Offense
A first offense of driving on a suspended license will result in spending up to 60 days in jail and paying a fine of up to $500.
Second Offense
A second offense of driving on a suspended license will result in spending up to one year in jail, paying a fine of up to $1,000, and motor vehicle impoundment.
Third Offense
A third or subsequent offense of driving on a suspended license is classed as a felony, and it will result in spending up to five years in prison and paying a fine of up to $5,000.
If the driver committed three offenses within a time period of five years, then they can be deemed as a habitual traffic offender, and it will result in a five-year license revocation along with an increase in fines and prison time.
Without Knowledge
The State of Florida has a separate offense for driving while your license is suspended in the event that the driver did not know that their license was suspended. A charge of driving on a suspended license without knowledge is classed as a moving violation, and they will have to pay a $60 fine.
Defenses to a Charge of Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License in St. Petersburg, FL.
If you have been charged with driving without a valid driver’s license, then you should get in contact with a criminal defense attorney from The Law Place. A criminal defense attorney will determine the best defense strategy to tackle your charges in St. Petersburg. The most common defense methods include:
- You were not driving on a public street or highway.
- You had a valid out-of-state or foreign driver’s license.
- You had a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Florida, but you did not have it with you at the time.
- You were stopped in an unlawful manner, or a police officer unlawfully detained you after the traffic stop.
- There is insufficient evidence to show that you did not have a valid driver’s license.
F.A.Q.s
Why Am I Getting Charged With Not Having a Valid Driver’s License in Florida?
- You do not possess a valid driver’s license. If you do not have a driver’s license, then you could face criminal charges, regardless of whether you are a minor or you are visiting from another country.
- Your license was canceled. A canceled license is similar to a suspended license. If you were caught driving with a canceled license, then you could be charged for driving without a valid driver’s license.
- Florida Statute 322.03 defines a valid driver’s license, as explained by the U.S. Code 49 U.S.C 30301.
Are There Exceptions to the Requirement of Having a Valid Florida Driver’s License?
Yes, there are a few exceptions to a valid driver’s license under Florida Statute 322.04:
- You are operating road machines, tractors, and farm-related machinery on a public record on a temporary basis.
- You are operating a golf cart in line with the law.
- You are a non-resident, over 16 years old, and you have a valid non-commercial driver’s license from a different state or country, and you are operating a motor vehicle that requires a Class E driver’s license in the State of Florida.
- You are an employee of the government, and you are operating a non-commercial motor vehicle that is owned or leased by the government for official reasons.
What to Do When You Have an Out-of-State License?
The State of Florida is a tourist attraction for citizens of America and people around the globe. There are plenty of beautiful sites and beaches that people love to enjoy. However, it is important to obtain a driving license upon arrival.
If you have moved to Florida, then you can receive a driving license within thirty days. In addition, vehicle registration will take ten days. You can also cover your valid out-of-state license into a valid license in the State of Florida. You do not need to pass a test to obtain a valid driver’s license when you arrive in the state. The only information you will need to provide is proof of registration, proof of identification, verification of a physical inspection, out-of-state title, and proof of insurance company registered in the State of Florida.
What Should You Do in the Absence of a Valid Driver’s License?
If you do not have a valid driver’s license or your license has expired, then it is always best to get a new license before operating a motor vehicle in the State of Florida. It does not take a long time to obtain a driver’s license when you have all of the necessary documents in your possession. You can simply research on the internet to know more about the required information.
Once you have obtained the driver’s license, then you are free to drive safely on the roads in the State of Florida. If your license has been canceled for a period of time, then you should always wait until the time is right and avoid further complications. In other words, you should stop driving until your license is valid.
How to Deal With an Arrest While Driving Without a Valid License?
When you have received a traffic ticket, you will face the consequences. If you have been issued a ticket for driving without a valid license, then you will face criminal charges, and you will have to appear in court. The severity of the punishment will depend on the license and the number of offenses. If you are a repeated offender, then you should prepare for more severe repercussions. It is important that you have the assistance of a criminal defense attorney when you are facing charges for driving without a valid license. A criminal defense attorney will explain the legal process to you and present your case in a favorable way. They will fight to prevent your charges from becoming a conviction, and they might even be able to reduce the punishment or get the charges dismissed altogether.
Contact The Law Place Today
If you are facing charges of driving without a valid license in St. Petersburg, then you should seek legal representation from a reputable law firm. It is imperative that you understand your legal rights when you are facing criminal charges, and you will need the help of a criminal defense attorney that you can trust.
At The Law Place, we have over seventy-five years of combined experience when it comes to fighting driver’s license cases in St. Petersburg and all over the State of Florida. Our team of criminal defense lawyers is skilled in the art of defending clients in the courtroom, and we will ensure that you have not been wrongfully charged for your actions.
Our law firm will stand at your side every step of the way, regardless of the charges that you are facing. If you have questions in regard to your case, then you can speak to a criminal defense attorney now. Our phone lines are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Contact The Law Place on (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation today.
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