Driving with a Suspended License

Is it a crime to drive without a valid license in Florida?

In Florida, driving while your driver's license is suspended, revoked, cancelled or disqualified is a crime ranging from a simple moving violation to a serious felony, depending on the circumstances. It can negatively affect your insurance rates as well. A suspension can be the result of a DUI or BUI charge, too many traffic tickets, too many unpaid tickets, unpaid civil judgments and many other problems, some of which are not related to driving.

Continuing to drive without a valid license after you were notified that it had been suspended or revoked is illegal regardless, however, as it does not matter why you had lost your driving privileges in the first place. Typically, the only exception to this would be in the event that you were unaware of your license's suspended status. In any case, it is important to secure the legal defense of a criminal defense lawyer in Miami.

Miami Criminal Attorney Explains Your Charges

Depending on the circumstances in which you were unlawfully behind the wheel, you could avoid criminal charges altogether. In cases where you did not realize that your license was suspended or revoked, you may only be charged with a civil misdemeanor, which is not a crime. A skilled defense lawyer can help you prove this, if necessary, to prosecutors, juries and judges. If you knowingly drove while your license was suspended, however, you may be charged with a criminal misdemeanor. Although these charges do not seem that severe, a criminal misdemeanor can rise to a felony offense if you are convicted of two additional repeat violations. For this reason, it is important that you take care of these legal issues as soon as they arise. Otherwise, you could be punished as follows:

• 1st Violation (Misdemeanor): up to 60 days in jail & a $500 fine
• 2nd Violation (Misdemeanor): up to 60 days in jail & a $500 fine
• 3rd Violation (Felony): up to 5 years in prison & a $5,000 fine

Obtain a Strong Defense Today

David S. Seltzer is a Miami criminal defense lawyer with years of experience in Florida criminal law. He is a former prosecutor who knows how to operate within the criminal justice system and pursue all the possible options and advantages for those who have been accused of driving without a valid license. The firm offers a free consultation and is available day and night, 7 days a week. We know how to move forward and fight for your right to legally drive and how to help you take action with the goal of avoiding serious penalties. To find out how we can assist you, we urge you to give us a call today.