If you were arrested for driving with a suspended license in Orlando, you need to speak with a criminal defense attorney experienced with Florida Motor Vehicle and Drivers’ Licenses Law. This seemingly minor offense can result in very harsh consequences if not handled quickly and properly. The charges can be either civil or criminal, and range from misdemeanor to felony offenses.
A defense attorney at the TK Law Firm can defend you and resolve the allegations to the lowest possible punishment, and help you get the suspension lifted and your license reinstated.
In cases of driving with a suspended license, the long term effects that can plague your driver’s license and driving privileges will not be apparent to you at the time of the plea agreement.
Speak with an experienced Florida attorney at our firm today.
Call 855-Kramer-Now (855-572-6376).
A DWLS (Driving While License Suspended) charge in Florida can lead to diverse and harsh punishments, such as:
- Jail time;
- Probation;
- Mandatory drug or alcohol therapy;
- Mandatory driver’s education classes;
- Fees, court costs, and other fines;
- Permanent revocation of your Florida driver’s license;
- The impounding of your car.
Two Categories of Driving with a Suspended License
Under Florida statute 322.34, Florida law distinguishes two types of DWLS: “with knowledge” and “without knowledge.”
A person must have knowledge that their license is suspended before they can be found guilty of driving with a suspended license. The court will presume that you had knowledge of the license suspension if
- you received a prior DWLS citation for a previous unrelated traffic violation;
- court records show that you were notified that your driver’s license was revoked or suspended;
- you admit having knowledge that your license was revoked or suspended.
If you did not know your license had been suspended (and can prove this fact to court), the charge will be downgraded and no longer considered a criminal offense. However, if you were intentionally driving with a suspended license, the court will look at that act as a crime:
- A first conviction is a second degree misdemeanor, punishable by a jail sentences up to 60 days and fines up to $500;
- A second conviction a first degree misdemeanor, punishable by a jail sentence up to 12 months and/or fines up to $1000;
- Repeat DWLS drivers with three convictions within a five year period, will be found guilty of felony charges. If convicted, you can face a jail sentence up to 5 years, fines up to $5000 and a loss of civil rights that can haunt you for a lifetime.
If a person drives a commercial motor vehicle on Florida highways while their license is suspended, a first conviction is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, and a second or subsequent conviction is guilty of a felony of the third degree.
Context of Your Florida Arrest for Driving with a Suspended License
The context of your alleged criminal behavior will be a factor in determining your defense options. What was the reason for your license being suspended?
The state can suspend your license for DUI or drug convictions; failure to pay old fines or traffic tickets; failure to pay Florida child support; health problems or poor vision that make it unsafe for you to drive a motor vehicle in Florida.
Other reasons for license suspension include:
- Outstanding traffic offenses
- Driving without insurance
- Vehicular manslaughter
- Possession of a controlled substance
- A failed driving test
- Fleeing from an auto accident that resulted either in injury or death
Speak with an experienced Florida attorney at our firm today.
Call 855-Kramer-Now (855-572-6376).
Defending Charges of Driving While License Suspended
There are defenses and legal strategies our attorneys can employ to avoid or reduce the severe penalties that may result from a driving with a suspended license ticket or arrest, such as:
- the legality of the stop or arrest by law enforcement;
- you did not have knowledge that your license had been suspended or you were confused about the duration or terms of your suspension;
- You had knowledge of the suspended license but drove due to a family emergency – i.e. build a case that you had a pressing need that justified your driving with a suspended license.
Do not let your case go to court without the help of an experienced attorney. We understand the seriousness of these charges and are here to help and protect you.
The TK Law Firm has helped hundreds of people resolve complex drivers license issues. Contact an Orlando DWLS defense attorney with the TK Law Firm now at 855-Kramer-Now (855-572-6376) for a free consultation.