Suspended License Offenses
Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License Lawyer in West Palm Beach and Jupiter, Florida
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In Florida, getting around without a dependable means of transportation can be a real challenge. The area’s hotspots and busy urban hubs are quite spread out, making walking less than practical. Public transport, unfortunately, does not always offer a reliable alternative, and even biking can be a bit risky. For those whose livelihoods depend on having a driver’s license, facing a suspension can be particularly detrimental.
With over 30 years of experience, you can rest assured Mr. Gabriel will handle your suspended license case using all the knowledge and skills developed over the span of his triple-decade career. He is committed to affording every case the personalized attention it deserves.
What Can Cause Your Florida Driver’s License to Be Suspended?
There are a multitude of reasons the Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend your license, and each presents a different challenge. Whether your Florida driver’s license was suspended because of unpaid fines, missed court appearances, or a more serious infraction like driving under the influence (DUI), understanding the reasons behind a license suspension is a crucial first step.
In the State of Florida, a driver’s license suspensions and revocations can occur because of:
- Outstanding fines
- Failure to appear in court
- Unpaid child support
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Vehicular homicide
- Lack of ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
- An accumulation of too many points from traffic infractions
No matter what resulted in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, suspended license Attorney Brian Gabriel can help. He may determine the underlying reasons for the suspension or revocation of your license and determine whether the cause was lawful and how he can protect your interests. Your driving privilege is a valuable asset, and protecting it is worth the effort and investment.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
In Florida, every single individual convicted of a DUI will have their license suspended for a period of time. For a first-time offender, that period of time is routinely six months. For multiple-time offenders, that can range anywhere from five years to a lifetime, depending on how many prior DUI convictions an individual has.
Common Penalties for a DWLS Conviction
Driving with a suspended license with knowledge is a misdemeanor offense which may result in:
- Up to one year of incarceration in jail
- Fines of up to $1,000
- A period of probation
- An extension of your license suspension
Designation as a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO), as defined in Florida Statute 322.64, can also result in a suspended license. Violators of the Habitual Traffic Offender law are penalized severely in Florida courts and can be arrested and charged with a third-degree felony. Third-degree felonies are punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. A conviction for a charge of this magnitude would also result in lifelong status as a convicted felon, affecting the ability to secure housing, jobs, and even the right to own a firearm.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Fight a Suspended License Charge?
Although it is not necessary to work with an attorney to fight a driving while license suspended charge, it’s not uncommon for people to seek legal help in these situations. The Florida DMV frequently suspends licenses for numerous reasons, many of which have nothing to do with driving. Once you’re caught driving with a suspended license, you risk losing your license for a much longer period of time. If you continue to drive with a suspended license, you could ultimately face serious felony charges that cannot be removed from your criminal record.
If you currently face charges of driving with a suspended license with or without knowledge, hiring a suspended license lawyer can bring you peace of mind and help you protect your driving privilege in the state of Florida.
Hiring a suspended license lawyer for a driving offense can seem overly extravagant at first, but when you consider how much you have to lose, acquiring competent legal representation is always worth the cost.
Risks of Facing DWLS Charges Without a Lawyer
Although this is an offense for which judges rarely impose a jail sentence, particularly if it’s your first offense, you might have an unsettling experience being booked into jail while awaiting your arraignment. You might be unsure about posting bail or having a family member or friend do so on your behalf. The fact of the matter is simple: a person without experience getting around the legal system will almost undoubtedly make decisions that end up hurting the outcome of his or her case.
In some cases, people have appeared in court and paid fines without realizing that they were convicted of the offense. A conviction for DWLS can occur without receiving a jail sentence, and
it cannot be expunged. Upon a conviction, you are left with a permanent criminal record that might prevent you from having future criminal charges sealed or expunged. Thus, the best course of action is to work with an attorney who can attempt to have your charge dismissed or reduced to that of a simple traffic infraction, eliminating your criminal charge and keeping your driving record clean.
Defend Driving Related Offenses with a Former Prosecutor in West Palm Beach, Florida
With over three decades of experience, Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel has successfully helped numerous drivers in Palm Beach County and across South Florida reduce or dismiss their DWLS charges. Mr. Gabriel started his long career as a former prosecutor, so he has a deep understanding of both perspectives, as well as the complexities surrounding driving-related offenses.
Start with a free consultation today by calling suspended license Attorney Brian Gabriel of The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel at (561) 286-8455. You can also complete an online contact form to learn more.
