Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License Attorney in Orlando, Florida

What Happens If You Get Caught Driving with a Suspended License in Florida?

Under Florida Statutes § 322.34, if you drive in Florida while your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, you could receive a citation or be charged with a crime. What will specifically happen to you depends on whether you were subject to a suspension or revocation.

Driving while your license is suspended but having no knowledge of the suspension or revocation status is a moving violation. You could be fined if you are convicted of the offense.

If you operated a vehicle on Florida highways while your driving privileges were suspended, revoked, or canceled and you knew of the status of your license, you might be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.

The level depends on your criminal history and the facts of the case:

• Second-degree misdemeanor:
  • First violation
  • Up to 60 days in jail and/or
  • Up to $500 in fines
• First-degree misdemeanor:
  • Second or subsequent violation
  • Up to 1 year in jail and/or
  • Up to $1,000 in fines
  • Upon a third or subsequent violation, you must serve a minimum of 10 days in jail
• Third-degree felony:
  • Third or subsequent violation if the driver’s license was suspended as a result of a
    • DUI,
    • Chemical test refusal,
    • Traffic offense causing serious injury or death, or
    • Fleeing or eluding.
  • Up to 5 years in prison and/or
  • Up to $5,000 in fines

You may also be charged with a third-degree felony, even upon a first offense, if you didn’t have a license or your license was suspended or revoked, drove carelessly or negligently, and caused serious injury or death to someone.

What If You Drive When Your License Is Permanently Revoked in Florida?

Having your license permanently revoked means your privilege to drive is completely terminated. Operating a vehicle on a state highway when your license is in this status is a third-degree felony.

Upon a conviction, you could be sentenced to:

• Up to 5 years in prison and/or
• Up to $5,000 in fines.

The prosecutor must prove that you were aware of the suspension, revocation, or cancellation to obtain a conviction. They may present as evidence your admission to knowing about the suspension or a record from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles showing that a notification was personally delivered or mailed to you.

Our driving while license suspended attorneys in Orlando can carefully examine your case to determine what defenses to raise to challenge the prosecutor’s allegations.

Can You Drive without a Valid License in Florida?

To legally drive in Florida, you must have a valid driver’s license. That means your license cannot be suspended, revoked, or expired when you operate a vehicle on the highway. It also means that you are prohibited from driving if you do not have a valid license.

Driving without a valid license in Florida is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by:

• Up to 60 days in jail and/or
• Up to $500 in fines

Understanding the Charge of Driving While License Suspended, Revoked or Canceled 

What It Means to Drive on a Suspended License

Driving with a suspended license means you’ve been caught operating a vehicle after your driving privileges have been withdrawn due to previous infractions, unpaid fines, or other legal issues. It’s a charge that authorities take seriously, which underscores the need for a strong defense.

The Potential Impact of These Charges

What’s at Stake?

The consequences of driving with a suspended license can extend beyond the immediate penalties. A conviction could lead to a longer suspension period, higher insurance premiums, and even affect your job opportunities if driving is essential for your work.

How We Can Help You Regain Control

Accessible Legal Advice

Our team is committed to providing clear and straightforward legal guidance. We’ll explain your charges in plain language, discuss the potential consequences, and outline effective strategies to challenge the suspension.

Tailored Defense Strategies

Every case is unique, and so is our approach to defending it. We delve into the specifics of why you were stopped and why your license was suspended and craft a defense that addresses your particular situation, focusing on mitigating the charges or even getting them dismissed.

Our Proactive Defense Approach

In-Depth Case Evaluation

The first step in defending you is a thorough review of the events leading to your charge. We explore every angle, from the reason you were stopped and the initial suspension to the circumstances of your current charges. 

Negotiation and Advocacy

We actively negotiate with prosecutors to reduce your charges, aiming to decrease penalties or restore your license. If your case goes to court, we’re prepared to defend your rights vigorously, ensuring the best possible presentation of your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving With a Suspended License

1. What should I do immediately after being charged?
   • Contact us as soon as you can. The earlier we start working on your case, the more we can do to help.
2. Can I get my license back after a suspension for this charge?
   • Yes, part of our defense strategy can include actions aimed at reinstating your license, depending on the specifics of your case.
3. What are the best defenses against this charge?
   • Defenses may include challenging the reason for the initial stop, lack of knowledge of the suspension and or whether the vehicle was driven upon a  Florida Highway. 

Ready to Address Your License Suspension?

If you’re facing charges for driving with a suspended license, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. Take action now to protect your driving privileges and future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an Orlando driving with a suspended license attorney from Alers Law Firm and learn how we can support you in navigating this challenge and working towards a positive outcome.