In Florida, drivers can lose their licenses for a variety of reasons, such as a DUI conviction, refusing to take a roadside Breathalyzer test, a poor driving record and a drug conviction. For virtually every driver, a license suspension or revocation is a hardship that costs time, money and aggravation. At Largey Law, our experienced traffic defense attorneys help motorists retain and restore their driving privileges. We assist during criminal procedures and at administrative hearings of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. A Mount Dora license suspension lawyer from our firm understands the full range of issues relating to revoked and suspended licenses and take proactive steps to obtain the relief you need.
Driving with Suspended License: Penalties and Pitfalls
If your license has been suspended, you certainly should not drive until you clear up the issue. However, it’s common for drivers to be unaware that their license is under suspension due to an unpaid ticket traffic ticket. An officer has the discretion to ticket or arrest the individual for Driving While License Suspended (DWLS), and can charge either without knowledge or the more serious infraction, with knowledge:
- DWLS without knowledge — A civil infraction equal to a three-point moving violation
- DWLS with knowledge — A misdemeanor of the second degree for a first offense
The difference between these two license suspension charges is enormous, so you should consult a skilled attorney in Mount Dora immediately to limit the possible consequences.
Drivers charged without knowledge are generally eager to clear up the situation. So, they quickly pay whatever outstanding traffic violations exist, not knowing that this can backfire. Those infractions may all be credited within the payment period, so all their penalty points are added to the license at once. Then the driver gets labeled a habitual offender and faces a permanent suspension. This is another reason to always contact an attorney to look into a license suspension.
Protecting One’s License after a DUI Arrest
There are two ways to lose your license after a DUI incident. One is obvious: get convicted. Even a first DUI conviction comes with a six-month license suspension. The second way is to refuse the roadside Breathalyzer. In the first instance, depending on the facts of the case, an attorney may be able to negotiate a plea to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving, to avoid a suspension. In the case of a refusal, the only way to avoid the suspension is to prove the traffic stop was not valid. This is a much more difficult task, since the police must only demonstrate reasonable suspicion. However, under the right set of circumstances, a diligent Mount Dora lawyer could work invalidate the stop and fight against a license suspension.
Retain a Mount Dora License Suspension Attorney to Get Back on The Road
A license suspension is generally a hardship and can lead to added expense and frustration. For quality assistance with license suspensions, contact Largey Law today. Your initial consultation with a Mount Dora License Suspension Lawyer is free, so do not hesitate to reach out and get started. Se habla español.
