Tampa Suspended License Lawyer

Reinstate Your License & Keep It In Good Standing in Florida

Florida is known for having some of the strictest laws pertaining to traffic violations. This includes state laws regarding what's known as a "suspended license," which forbids you from legally operating a vehicle.

If you are facing a suspended license, you do not have to worry and you do not have to deal with it alone. With the help of a criminal defense lawyer, there are options for getting you back on the road with a valid license more quickly. You may also have more ways to challenge a suspended license than you realize.

If your license has been suspended in Tampa, contact our lawyer for a free consultation, call (813) 565-3353 today.

When Can a Tampa Driver's License Be Suspended in Florida?

Before you can determine if your suspension is lawful or figure out ways to get it reinstated/weaken the suspension, it's important to recognize why your license may have been suspended.

The main scenarios that can result in a suspended license for Tampa drivers include:

• Accrued Points from Traffic Infractions: Florida law assigns points for specific violations. For example:
  • Twelve or more points within one year will result in a 30-day suspension of your driving privileges.
  • Eighteen or more points within one and a half years (547 days) will result in a 3-month suspension.
  • Twenty-four or more points within two years (730 days) will result in a 1-year suspension.
• Certain Offenses That Lead to Immediate Suspension: Some actions trigger a suspension without points accumulating, such as:
  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Failing to pay a fine or legal judgment
  • Refusing to pay child support
  • Developing a specific medical condition
• Non-traffic Administrative Suspensions: Non-driving-related incidents, such as failing to attend a hearing at the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court or not maintaining required auto insurance, can also lead to loss of driving privileges. Accumulating unpaid toll violations, for instance, from the Selmon Expressway, can add to your risk of suspension.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) regularly notifies drivers about potential suspensions through official notices. Ignoring these notices or misunderstanding the deadlines for responding can make the path to reinstatement longer and more complicated. 

Tampa traffic court handles a high volume of these cases, and each situation may require a customized approach for resolution, depending on the suspension type and underlying cause. Consulting with a suspended license attorney Tampa drivers rely on can help clarify your options and next steps.

What are the Penalties of Driving With a Suspended License?

If you are caught driving with a suspended license in Florida, the consequences can be severe. You could face:

• Fines: The penalties for driving with a suspended license can include substantial fines. The amount depends on the reason for the suspension and whether it is your first offense.
• Extended Suspension: In many cases, driving with a suspended license can lead to an extended suspension period. The state may impose a longer suspension period or increase the severity of the suspension.
• Criminal Charges: Depending on the circumstances, you may face criminal charges for driving with a suspended license. For example, if your license was suspended due to a DUI conviction, you could face more serious charges, including misdemeanor or felony charges.
• Jail Time: If you are caught driving with a suspended license, especially for certain offenses like DUI, you could face jail time. Repeat offenders or those with serious violations may face harsher penalties.
• Difficulty with Employment: A suspended license can impact your ability to get to work, run errands, or take care of daily responsibilities. If you rely on your vehicle to travel for work, you may face job-related difficulties, including possible loss of employment.

The Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) Consequence

This is the hidden crisis in driving with a suspended license. Under Florida Statute 322.264, if a driver accumulates three convictions for major traffic offenses (which include Driving with a Suspended License, DUI, or Reckless Driving) within a five-year period, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) automatically revokes their driver's license for five years.

Crucially, driving while designated as an HTO is always a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in state prison. The best way to prevent HTO status is to ensure the DWLSR charge does not result in a conviction or an adjudication of guilt. This is the primary objective of every case handled by our firm.