Driving With A Suspended License in Florida

Suspended License Defense Attorney

Most people rely heavily on their motorcycle for daily activities. Whether it is to go to work, run errands or simply get from point A to point B, the lack of personal transportation can put a halt on your daily life. In moments like these, it might be tempting to drive your motorcycle despite having a suspended license, but the consequences of getting caught can be quite severe. The State of Florida takes driving with a suspended license very seriously and being charged with a DWLS (Driving With License Suspended) can cost you money, time and your privilege to drive again. If you were stopped while driving with a suspended license it is imperative that you seek out a criminal traffic offense attorney. 911 Biker Law can help you keep a bad situation from getting worse.

Getting Stopped with a Suspended License

In Florida, your license could be suspended for a number of reasons such as accumulating too many points on your driving record, failure to pay a traffic fine, failure to pay child support and severe traffic offenses such as a DUI or injuring another person with your vehicle. Depending on the severity of your case, you will have your license suspended for a determined period of time. However, if you are charged with driving with a suspended license, it doesn’t matter how minimal your suspension was, the penalties could be heavy. You could be issued two forms of a citation:

• Driving without knowledge of suspension, which is a civil traffic infraction.
• Driving with knowledge of suspension, which is a criminal infarction.

Driving without knowledge is less severe than driving with knowledge but that does not mean that it should be taken with less caution. It is still a serious charge that can be dangerous to you if you are not prepared, so it is important to have a motorcycle lawyer by your side. At the time you are stopped, the police officer has the option to arrest you and take you to jail or simply issue you a ticket with your notice to appear in court.

Consequences of Driving with a License Suspension

Once in jail, you will likely be released on your own recognizance or a small bond. If you are found to have multiple DWLS charges however, you will have to post a higher bond. Once released, it most likely your motorcycle will have been impounded (you will be responsible for the fees) and your driver’s license forfeited. If you are not taken to jail when found driving with a suspended license, this does not mean that your case is any less severe, an Orlando motorcycle accident attorney is still important for protecting your future. If you are found guilty of operating your motorcycle while your driver’s license was suspended, you will be convicted of a second degree misdemeanor under Florida law. The penalties will carry a maximum sentence of 60 days in jail and a $500 fee. DWLS is a cumulative charge, meaning that upon a second offense the charge will become a first degree misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine. In the case of a third of subsequent offense, it will be considered a third degree felony with up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.

Getting Your License Back

Depending on your number of offenses, additional suspension time may be added to your license or it may be revoked all together. To reinstate your driver’s license, you will have to visit a Florida DMV office with the necessary payment for fees. Depending on the reason for your suspension, additional fees may be applied as well as additional documents and requirements. If your license is suspended, it is best not to drive and risk receiving additional suspension time and fines. The time that it takes to regain your driving privileges could seriously affect your daily life and routines.

Traffic Defense Lawyer in Orlando, FL

If your license has been suspended, the best course of action is to simply stay off the roads. While it might seem easy to drive and not get caught, the legal consequences are just not worth it. If you made the decision to drive with a suspended license and were stopped, contact 911 Biker Law today. We can provide you with an accident attorney to defend you and protect your driving privileges.