Suspended License Lawyers in Orlando, FL
As drivers, individuals are expected to perceive their ability to drive and operate motor vehicles in the state of Florida as special privileges. Individuals are not obligated to drive, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) will suspend the licenses of individuals who fail to adhere to basic traffic protocols. While the Florida traffic laws exist to uphold the safety of travel and commerce, traffic defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. understand the unique circumstances that may cause drivers to have their licenses suspended, and we work hard to restore the driving privileges of such individuals. If your license has been suspended in the state of Florida, it is best that you contact an experienced traffic violations attorney.
Florida License Suspension
There are several reasons why a driver’s license might be suspended in Florida. A traffic violations lawyer can help you understand how license suspension in the state of Florida works. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) suspends licenses for varying amounts of time contingent upon the scope and severity of the traffic violation. The most common reasons for license suspension in Florida are as follows:
- Excessive traffic violation points
- Failure to resolve traffic violation fines/fees
- Failure to meet vision standards
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI), especially when the offense results in serious bodily injury and/or death to other individuals
As soon as a driver receives notice ( a written notification letter) that his/her license has been suspended, it is a requirement that he/she surrender the license to the nearest Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. Delays in delivery of the license to the Florida DMV typically result in extensions of the suspension period. The suspension period will begin once the license is surrendered and will be reinstated at the conclusion of the designated suspension period.
Driver’s License Suspension Periods
The suspension periods in Florida vary depending on the type of offense.
- A failure to comply with traffic summons and/or pay fines requires license suspension until the driver is able to prove that such summons have been satisfied.
- A failure to follow minimum vision requirements results in a license suspension until the vision standards are met. (This offense may require purchase of medical visits and eyewear).
- Improper operation of a motor vehicle results in a 1-year license suspension.
- Traffic violations that result in death or bodily injury to others require license suspension of three months to a year.
- If a driver fails to provide mandated child support, his/her license may be suspended until proof of such payments are proven.
- Point accumulations result in varying suspension periods.
- 12 points in 12 months may result in a 30-day suspension.
- 18 points in 18 months may result in a suspension of 3 months.
- 24 points in 36 months may result in a suspension of 12 months.
A traffic lawyer is necessary to help drivers with suspended licenses illustrate that they have followed the necessary procedures and meet the qualifications to have their licenses reinstated.
Penalties for Driving With Suspended Licences
Under no circumstances should drivers with suspended licences operate motor vehicles. Individuals who knowingly drive with suspended licenses may be subject to fines that range from $500 to $2,000, jail time and possible permanent revocation of driving privileges. A traffic attorney is imperative to cases involving individuals who knowingly and willfully operate motor vehicles with a license that has not been reinstated.
Conditions for License Reinstatement
In efforts to reinstate your driver’s license, you must visit your local Florida DMV. You must be willing to pay a reinstatement fee (the fine varies by state) and present compelling evidence to prove that you have satisfied the traffic violations. For example, proof that you have complied with traffic summons, made appearances on traffic summons, paid all necessary fines (and child support payments), and successfully completed mandated traffic school courses must be presented through legitimate documentation. A traffic defense attorney can help you locate proper documentation, compelling evidence and data, as well as help you present yourself positively to have your license reinstated.
In some unique cases, hardship licenses may also be bestowed to individuals who present information that requires driving necessary. Again, a license suspension defense lawyer is vital to helping to prove that such emergency hardship license is indeed necessary and/or deserved.
License Suspension Lawyers in Orlando, FL
At the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A., our traffic defense attorneys are well-versed in Florida traffic law and empathetic to your unique needs and circumstances. We understand that a license suspension may result in serious inconveniences to your life and your family and friends. We also know that everyone makes mistakes. At our criminal law defense firm in Orlando, we will work tirelessly to understand your case and advocate for you within a court of law.
To learn more about license suspension and reinstatement in Florida, contact our firm today.