Florida Statute § 322.34(1) establishes that any person whose driver’s license has been canceled, suspended, or revoked and drives a motor vehicle in Florida commits a moving violation. Under Florida Statute § 322.34(2), however, any person knowing of such cancellation, suspension, revocation, or suspension or revocation equivalent status who drives a motor vehicle while their license is canceled, suspended, or revoked, or while under suspension or revocation equivalent status, commits a second-degree misdemeanor for a first offense, a first-degree misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offenses, and a third-degree felony for a third or subsequent conviction.

All of these penalties can be further complicated by a person being classified as a habitual traffic offender. Any person facing criminal charges relating to driving on a suspended license will want to quickly contact Cardinal Law, P.A.

Our firm understands how complicated these kinds of cases can be and want to determine the strongest possible defense to help avoid the most severe criminal penalties. We can discuss your case with you in greater detail when you call 239-610-0845 to set up a free consultation.

Driving on a Suspended License in Florida

If police officers catch a person driving with a suspended driver’s license, the consequences of a conviction can often be worse than just having a driver’s license suspended. A first offense is punishable by up to 60 days in jail while a second offense can lead to up to one year in jail.

If a person receives three convictions in less than five years, a new crime will be charged as a felony and the person’s driver’s license could be suspended for up to five years. A person who picks up three driving while license suspended charges within five years will be classified as a habitual traffic offender and lose their license for five years.

If you are arrested for driving with a suspended license, you will need legal assistance on multiple fronts. You will first need a traffic crime defense lawyer who can defend you against the criminal charges for driving on a suspended license.

You will also likely need legal help dealing with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). An attorney can help you appeal your suspension and get your record cleared up so that you can have the amount of time your driver’s license is suspended dramatically shortened.

Fighting a License Suspension in Florida

The South Florida Sun Sentinel reported that the state of Florida had suspended nearly 2 million of the 14 million registered driver’s licenses in the state. The first thing most people can do when they know a suspension is upcoming is file an appeal of the suspension, and people usually have only 10 days to exercise this right.

Another option could be to seek reinstatement of the license, and a criminal defense attorney could be beneficial in helping a person determine whether they are eligible to have their license reinstated. There will be a multitude of important steps that must be followed to make this possibility a reality.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Suspended Drivers License Attorney

Were you recently charged with driving on a suspended driver’s license in Southwest Florida or do you have concerns that your license is about to be suspended? Do not wait to get in touch with Cardinal Law, P.A. so you will be able to learn what your options are in your case.

Our firm has helped countless drivers all over the state of Florida overcome many of the challenges limiting their driving privileges. Contact Cardinal Law, P.A. today at 239-610-0845 to receive a free consultation.