Suspended Licenses in west palm beach
Has your license been suspended?
There are many different reasons as to why your driver's license may have been suspended. Many Florida drivers are surprised to learn that their license is no longer valid and has been suspended when they are pulled over by a police officer.
Your driver's license may have been suspended due to:
- Lack of auto insurance
- Failure to pay a fine
- Inadequate vision
- Suspension for points
- Not completing traffic school
- Delinquency in child support
- Failure to appear on a traffic summons
- Traffic violation that resulted in personal injury or death
If you have been pulled over for driving with a suspended license, it is imperative that you contact a West Palm Beach criminal lawyer. I, Phillip T. Ridolfo, Jr., from The Law Offices of Phillip T. Ridolfo, Jr., have more than 25 years of criminal defense experience and I have successfully helped dozens of drivers maintain their driving privileges after they were charged for driving with a suspended license.
Driving with a Revoked License
The State of Florida considers driving with a revoked license a criminal offense. Section 322.34 of the Florida statutes describes the specific penalties for driving with a suspended license, which vary according to the circumstances of the situation. The severity of the charges against you will depend on several factors, including whether you can prove that you had no knowledge of your suspension, any prior convictions on your record for driving with a suspended license, and the quality of your legal representation. An insightful West Palm Beach criminal attorney can meet with you to discuss your case and help you fight the charges.
The lightest possible penalty for driving with a suspended license is a fine, with no criminal charge. If it is proven that you knowingly drove under a suspension, you will be convicted of a misdemeanor crime and may spend as long as 60 days in jail and pay a fine of $500. If you are found guilty of a repeat offense within 5 years, you may be sent to jail for up to a year, as well as the possibility of having your car seized. A third offense within 5 years may result in a felony conviction, which means you may face 5 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and classification as a habitual traffic offender (HTO). You may also receive a 5-year license suspension, which can negatively impact every aspect of your life.
What if I still need to drive?
If your license has been suspended and you absolutely need to drive, you may be eligible for a provisional license, which may also be referred to as a "Conditional License" or a "Hardship License". A provisional license allows an individual to drive under very limited conditions, such as driving to and from work or buying groceries for their family. For one to obtain a provisional license, they must petition with the Florida court requesting said license.
Depending on why an individual's license was suspended, they may also need to complete additional driver training courses or DUI treatment programs. If you believe you are eligible to reinstate your license after it has been revoked, you may ask the court to issue a new license. Some judges also have the ability to modify or cancel a suspension order if the driver only uses their vehicle for business or employment purposes and can prove that they have resolved the issue that caused them to initially lose their license.
Arrested for driving with a suspended license in West Palm Beach?
If you were arrested for driving with a suspended license, you need effective support and guidance to help you find a resolution. This is especially true if you were previously arrested for DUI and received your suspension as part of your sentence. I have been practicing law as a West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney for over 25 years and I strongly believe that you have a right to fair and just treatment in your case.
The consequences for being convicted of driving with a suspended or revoked license could include you losing your job and having to pay significantly higher rates for insurance. Additionally, you may find it a barrier to future employment to have a misdemeanor or felony crime on your criminal record. Come to The Law Offices of Phillip T. Ridolfo, Jr., to meet with me regarding your case.
I will treat you as an individual and give you my best efforts to prevent you from being convicted - (561) 475-2752