Driving Under Suspension Attorneys in Clearwater, Florida

In Florida, violating a traffic law, accumulating license points, DUI conviction, or committing other traffic offenses could result in a license suspension or revocation. However, with your license revoked, suspended, or out of service, it is unlawful to drive a motor vehicle in the state. If you've been arrested and charged with driving under suspension or driving with a suspended license, hiring an aggressive Florida criminal defense attorney is imperative to help build your defense. 

At The Law Offices of Hoskins and Penton, P.A., we're dedicated to offering skilled representation and trusted legal guidance to clients facing driving under suspension charges. Our reliable team can investigate every aspect of your case and strategize a solid defense to help fight your charges. In addition, we will fight vigorously for your rights, strive to refute allegations against you with factual evidence, and help uphold your driving privileges. 

We proudly serve clients across Clearwater, Florida, and surrounding areas throughout Tampa, New Port Richey, and St. Petersburg. 

Understanding Driving with a suspended or revoked license

Driving with a suspended license (DWLSR), is a traffic violation that occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle while knowing that their driver's license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled and Judges in Florida take a very dim view of people  of people ignoring their suspension orders.

State Specific Laws & Regulations

According to Florida Statutes Section 322.34, "any person whose driver license or driving privilege has been canceled, suspended, or revoked, except a "habitual traffic offender," who drives a vehicle upon the highways of this state while such license or privilege is canceled, suspended, or revoked is guilty of a moving violation." 

As indicated in this state law, there are two crucial elements that constitute driving under suspension: 

• The defendant operated a vehicle on the highway while their license was canceled, suspended, or revoked. 

• The defendant knew that their driving privileges were canceled, suspended, or revoked at the time. 

If you or someone you know has recently been charged with driving with a suspended license, you should get in touch with a reliable criminal defense attorney immediately. Your lawyer can investigate every aspect of your case and help strategize your defense. 

Reasons a License May Be Suspended

Here are some common reasons why the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) can suspend or revoke your driver's license: 

• driving while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances; 

• refusal to take a DUI test after a lawful arrest; 

• driving without insurance and getting into an accident; 

• failure to maintain continuous insurance; 

• failing to appear in court; 

• noncompliance with child support payments; 

• accumulating too many points on your license; 

• failing to report an accident; 

• failure to pay a traffic ticket; 

• a physical or mental health condition; 

• destroying another person's property; 

• habitual traffic offender; and, 

• failure to register as a sex offender. 

Unfortunately, driving with a suspended license is a serious offense and may result in devastating penalties and other life-altering consequences. 

Possible Penalties

Here are some potential penalties and ramifications of driving with a suspended license: 

• additional points on your license; 

• substantial fines and court fees; 

• extension of your license suspension period; 

• community service; 

• probation; 

• a criminal record/history; 

• loss of university acceptance or scholarships; 

• increased difficulty in getting public benefits; 

• increased difficulty in restoring or getting a new license; 

• increased auto insurance rates; 

• increased difficulty in getting employment or accommodation; 

• ineligibility to obtain certain financial loans; and, 

• damage to personal and professional relationships. 

Our dedicated criminal defense attorneys work to craft a strong defense strategy to help fight your charges and protect you from the far-reaching consequences of a DWSL conviction. 

Possible Defenses

You have options after an accusation or a charge. Whether you believe you were guilty or innocent of the crime, your attorney can help dispute the accusations. Some of your possible defenses include, but are not limited to, the following defenses: 

• You were not operating the motor vehicle. 

• You didn't receive proper notice of a license suspension. 

• Your license shouldn't have been suspended. 

• You took the required action to correct the license suspension. 

• You were driving because of an emergency situation (mitigating circumstances). 

• The arresting officer violated your constitutional rights. 

A knowledgeable Florida driving under suspension defense attorney can intervene quickly, prevent charges from being filed against you, or identify the best defenses to help fight your charges. No matter what your situation is, reach out today for support.  

Legal Representation You Can Trust

Defending your driving under suspension allegations without reliable representation could expose you to the risks of getting convicted and suffering severe punishments. Therefore, when arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license, you need to retain a highly-skilled criminal defense attorney for proper guidance and to help determine your best defense strategy. 

At The Law Offices of Hoskins and Penton, P.A., we're committed to protecting individuals facing driving under suspension charges from the worst-case scenario. Using our extensive knowledge, we can help you navigate the Florida criminal justice system and represent you at the DUS court hearings. Above all, we will fight vigorously to uphold your rights and help you protect your driving privilege.