Driving in the state of Florida is a privilege upon which many people rely to fulfill their basic needs. From getting to and from your job to trekking across town with a trunk full of groceries, your life would be considerably hindered without the ability to drive. No city in Florida is known for having reliable or accessible public transportation, so what is one to do if one’s license is suspended or revoked in the Sunshine State?
If your license has been suspended or revoked in West Palm Beach, it helps to immediately get a driver’s license attorney up to speed with the status of your suspended or revoked driver’s license so that he or she may search for avenues to reinstate your driving privileges. Keep in mind that it may not be possible to do so with a revoked license. The first step toward resolving your license troubles is to understand the difference between the two driving bans.
What You Need to Know About a Suspended Florida Driver’s License
A suspended license is a temporary driving ban that may be definite or indefinite. A definite license suspension means the suspension will end at a predetermined period and that you have paid the necessary suspension termination fees. An indefinite suspension means that your license will remain suspended until you take a necessary action. Licenses may be suspended for a number of reasons in Florida. A few reasons include:
- Failing to appear in court for a traffic summons
- Failing to pay a fine for a traffic violation
- Failing to complete court-ordered driver improvement school
- Accumulating too many points
- Using a fraudulent driver’s license or not having a valid driver’s license
- Failing to pay child support
Being caught driving with a suspended license in West Palm Beach will lead to more severe penalties, including the possibility of losing your driving privilege for good in the form of a revoked license.
What is a revoked driver’s license?
If your license is revoked, it means that you have permanently lost your legal ability to drive. For the most part, your license may not be reinstated. You will need to request approval from the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, pay civil penalties, and proceed through the steps of acquiring your driver’s license all over again. You will have to take a written and road test as if you were learning to drive for the very first time. These tests are not free of charge.
If the DMV approves your request for a new license and you pass all the tests, you will receive a brand new driver’s license. Your old license will no longer be useful.
A revocation is the most severe action the state can take against your driving ability. Common reasons for a license revocation in Florida include:
- Driving without auto insurance
- A conviction for a serious traffic offense
- Making false statements on your driver’s license or car registration application
- Multiple driving offenses, including multiple DUIs
- Having a medical condition that prevents you from driving safely
Contact The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel to Get Your License Back!
Losing your driver’s license is often part of a sentence for a criminal offense. In some cases, the ability to drive has little to do with the alleged crime, such as in drug cases. Not having a driver’s license can make it impossible to keep a job and be self-reliant, which is why you should do everything you can to fight a license suspension or revocation.
Attorney Brian Gabriel of the Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel has more than 30 years of experience helping people in West Palm Beach overcome legal issues regarding traffic violations. From driving without valid registration to driving with a suspended license without knowledge, it’s important to retain a skilled lawyer who will protect your rights in traffic court and understands how a license suspension and criminal charge can be linked.
Call (561) 622-5575 for a free consultation or complete this contact form to get in touch with Attorney Brian Gabriel. Fight to protect your driving privilege today.