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Driving With a Suspended License
If you’ve been charged with driving on a suspended license in Florida, you should take the charges seriously. Unlike some states, Florida has two types of driving while license suspended (DWLS) charges: DWLS with knowledge and DWLS without knowledge.
A charge of DWLS with knowledge indicates that the police believe you were knowingly driving with a suspended license. If convicted, you’ll be guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor, and you could spend 60 days in jail. Penalties increase for a second or subsequent conviction.
It’s possible to commit DWLS unknowingly. If you’re caught unknowingly driving with a suspended license in Florida, you could owe a civil penalty. DWLS without knowledge isn’t treated as a crime, but it does count as a strike toward habitual traffic offender status.
Experienced Suspended License Attorney for Charges of Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in Florida
Driving with a suspended license might not sound like a serious charge. However, if someone knowingly violates the law by driving on a suspended license, they can face criminal consequences.
Whether you’ve been arrested for DWLS knowingly or unknowingly, one thing is clear: You need to hire an attorney for driving with a suspended license immediately. Although there’s no way to guarantee a positive outcome, having the help of an experienced attorney makes it far more likely.
Many Florida attorneys’ offices handle traffic tickets occasionally. At The Ticket Fighter Law Firm, we focus exclusively on cases like yours. Depending on the circumstances, we may argue for your innocence in court, try to negotiate a plea bargain, or attempt to negotiate fines or penalties down.
We understand how the Florida court system works, and we’re here to advocate for your rights. We’ll do whatever we can to help you avoid having your license suspended or revoked for an even longer period of time.
We understand that you may already be concerned about fines or court costs. To make sure we can help as many people as possible, our firm offers reasonable, transparent pricing. If you’re facing a fine or court appearance for an alleged DWLS, contact us today.
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Your driving record matters. We defend Florida drivers against tickets, points on their licenses, and fines.
Common Reasons for Suspended License in Florida
If you’ve been charged with DWLS in Florida, you could face fines, jail time, and other serious penalties. But have you ever wondered why Florida licenses are suspended in the first place? Here are some of the most common reasons for license suspension in Florida:
Too Many Points
Like many states, Florida uses a driver license point system. Traffic violations like speeding and running red lights add points; if you exceed a certain threshold within a particular time period, your license could be suspended.
The following are some of the state’s main license suspension thresholds:
- 12 Points in 12 Months: 30-day suspension
- 18 Points in 18 Months: Three-month suspension
- 24 Points in 36 Months: One-year suspension
If you think you may be nearing a suspension, we recommend completing an approved driver improvement course to remove some of your points.
Serious Traffic Offenses
Our driving on suspended license attorneys have seen Florida motorists have their licenses suspended over DUI, reckless driving, or other major traffic offenses.
Delinquencies Not Related to Driving
It’s not unusual for a Floridian to see their driver license suspended because of unpaid court-ordered debts. If you can’t pay child support, your driver license may be suspended until you do.
How It Works
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Contact us by phone, text, or online message to get a quote to represent you on your traffic ticket. We work on a flat fee basis, no hidden costs.
We take it from there
You can hire us over the phone or by online payment through our secure client portal. This is also where you see all documents concerning your case. Once you hire there is nothing else you have to do, we take care of the entire process.
Wait for Results
Normally within 24 hours of your hearing we publish the results to the online portal. The portal sends an email whenever we add or change anything so you won’t miss any important messages we send.
Defending Against a Suspended License Charge in Florida
Have you been charged with driving with a suspended license or driving with your license revoked? Depending on your circumstances, our suspended license lawyers might use one or more of these potential defenses:
The Traffic Stop Was Illegal
Police aren’t allowed to pull you over for no reason. If the law enforcement officer who stopped you had no probable cause, the case could be thrown out.
You Didn’t Know
Knowingly driving with a suspended Florida driver license is a second-degree misdemeanor. However, unknowingly driving on a suspended or revoked license is a civil infraction, so if your lawyer can convince the court you were unaware, you might be able to avoid steep penalties.
How to Reinstate a Suspended License in Florida
If you’ve been found guilty of multiple traffic violations, you might be wondering how to get a suspended license reinstated. The process for reinstatement varies somewhat based on the reason for the suspension, but here are a few common examples:
Reinstatement After a Suspension for License Points
Once the period of your suspension has passed, you may apply to fully reinstate your license. You’ll need to do the following:
- Show proof of enrollment in Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) school
- Pay your license-reinstatement fee
- Pay any other separate fees
You can typically pay fees and submit proof of enrollment at any driver license service center in Florida.
Reinstatement After Traffic Citations
If you don’t pay a fine for a traffic citation or you fail to show up in court, your license could be suspended. To reinstate it, contact the traffic court in the jurisdiction where you received the initial citation. Hiring a suspended license lawyer can also be helpful.
Is Driving on a Suspended License a Felony in Florida?
Is it a felony to drive on a suspended license? Usually not. However, to dissuade would-be offenders, Florida increases the penalties with each subsequent conviction:
- First Conviction: Second-degree misdemeanor (Up to 60 days in jail/$500 fine)
- Second Conviction: First-degree misdemeanor (Up to one year in jail/$1,000 fine)
- Third or Subsequent Conviction: Third-degree felony (Up to five years in prison/$5,000 fine)
- Even if you’re convicted of a misdemeanor and not a felony, the consequences can still disrupt your life.
It’s always a good idea to consult a suspended license lawyer if you’ve been charged. However, when you’re facing the possibility of a third or subsequent conviction, legal representation becomes doubly important.
The Two Types of Offenses for Driving With a Suspended License in Florida
In Florida, there are two broad categories of driving with a suspended license: driving while license suspended (DWLS) with knowledge and DWLS without knowledge.
- DWLS with knowledge is a criminal offense because it involves deliberately disregarding the law
- DWLS without knowledge is a civil infraction because you weren’t aware of the suspension
You could face substantial fines and jail time after being charged with DWLS with knowledge. Dependable legal representation can help you protect your freedom, finances, and driving rights.
Understanding DWLS Without Knowledge
DWLS without knowledge is a civil infraction, not a criminal one. You might have three points added to your license, but otherwise, you aren’t likely to suffer major consequences. In some cases, you might be ordered to pay a fine.
If you have prior traffic infractions, a charge of driving with a suspended license without knowledge could lead to a license suspension. That’s because Florida has a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) designation.If you’re found guilty of three serious traffic infractions in a five-year period, your license could be suspended for five years. Because this offense leads to points being added to your license, you’ll likely see an increase in your insurance premiums.
Understanding DWLS With Knowledge
A charge of DWLS with knowledge is far more severe. A first conviction is a second-degree misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face the following penalties:
- Up to 60 days in jail
- A $500 fine
A second conviction is a first-degree misdemeanor, meaning the consequences are more severe. A conviction generally leads to penalties like:
- Up to one year in jail
- A $1,000 fine
If you’re convicted of DWLS with knowledge for a third time, you’ll be guilty of a third-degree felony, which comes with the following consequences:
- Up to five years in prison
- A fine of up to $5,000
To convict you, prosecutors must be able to show that you knew about the suspension. A suspended license lawyer may be able to challenge the prosecution’s assumptions and improve your chances of acquittal.
Why You Need a Suspended License Lawyer
Some people who have been charged with driving with a suspended license believe that they can’t afford lawyers’ fees. Others think they may be better off representing themselves.
Broadly speaking, neither of these beliefs is true. Working with a suspended license attorney is typically affordable, and it costs less than the penalties for driving with an active driver license suspension.
Being charged with DWLS is much more serious than facing a simple speeding ticket. If you’re convicted of DWLS with or without knowledge, a suspended license attorney may be able to shield you from penalties like:
- Fines
- Jail (or prison) time
- Longer license suspensions
- Increased insurance premiums
Suspended license lawyers are familiar with local prosecutors and their legal arguments. They also know the court system. These factors can’t guarantee that you won’t owe a traffic fine or be found guilty of a misdemeanor, but they drastically increase your chances of a positive outcome.
Even if the prosecution has overwhelming evidence against you, an experienced attorney may be able to negotiate lighter penalties.
How to Choose a Suspended License Lawyer in Florida
Many motorists think they won’t be stopped when they drive on a suspended license. Unfortunately, it just takes one traffic stop for a seemingly minor issue, such as careless or negligent operation, to become a major problem.
If you’ve been charged with driving with a suspended license, there’s no time to waste. You don’t need just any attorney — you need a lawyer who’s ready to put their knowledge and experience to work for you. The capable team at The Ticket Fighter Law Firm can craft a personalized plan to approach your case.
If you need a traffic lawyer for suspended license, DWLS, or something else, contact us today for a free consultation.
FAQs
How Many Points Do You Get for Driving With a Suspended License in Florida?
Usually, driving after a license suspension or revocation results in three points being added to your license.
What Happens if You Get Caught Driving on a Suspended License?
Depending on the circumstances, you could receive a traffic infraction or be charged with a crime.
How Long Does a Florida License Suspension Last?
It depends on the reason for the suspension. Suspensions can be as short as 30 days or as long as a lifetime.
Is It a Felony to Drive on a Suspended License in Florida?
Sometimes. If you have two or more prior convictions for driving on a suspended license, you could be charged with a felony.
How Can I Find Out if My License Is Suspended?
To find out whether a standard or commercial driver license has been suspended, you can use the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) driver license check tool.
How Can I Reinstate My Florida License After a Suspension?
First, complete any required courses. From there, you’ll need to pay any outstanding fines to the FLHSMV. The easiest way to do this is to visit an FLHSMV service center.
How Much Does Reinstatement Cost?
It depends on the reason for the suspension. The standard reinstatement fee is $45, but if your license was suspended for a serious offense like a DUI, you might owe $100 or more.
Can You Go to Jail for Driving on a Suspended License in Florida?
Yes. You could spend up to 60 days in jail for a first offense, which is a second-degree misdemeanor. Potential jail time increases with future convictions, and a third conviction is a third-degree felony.
How Do I Get a Hardship License in Florida After Suspension?
You must take a driver improvement course, complete an application, and schedule a court hearing. The process can be challenging to navigate, but your attorney can help.
What’s the Difference Between a Suspended and Revoked License in Florida?
If your license is suspended, your driving privileges have been paused. If your license has been revoked, that means it has been permanently canceled.
Can I Drive to Work if My License Is Suspended in Florida?
Generally no. However, if your lawyer can help you obtain a hardship license, you may be permitted to drive to and from work. Keep in mind that not all drivers qualify for this opportunity. For instance, if you’re a habitual traffic offender, you likely can’t get a hardship license.
Can a Lawyer Help Me Reinstate My Suspended License in Florida?
Yes. Your lawyer also might be able to help you get a restricted license or driving privilege during your suspension.
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