A driver’s license suspension can significantly disrupt your life. Not being able to legally drive means you will have to rely on other drivers or on public transportation to get you to work, school, medical appointments, to pick up your children, or to other important obligations. Unfortunately, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department can revoke or suspend your driver’s license for many different reasons. In some cases, a suspension will result from violations accrued over time while other suspensions can happen immediately and possibly without your knowledge. If you have questions regarding a potential license suspension, you should seek assistance from an experienced criminal defense law firm as soon as possible.
Some events that may lead to a license suspension include the following:
Failure to pay a traffic ticket or appear in traffic court — All too often, an individual may receive a simple traffic ticket, set it aside, and fail to pay it or appear in court to fight it. Whether you ignore a traffic ticket because you cannot afford the fine or you honestly forget about the ticket, traffic courts in Florida take a failure to appear very seriously and will generally suspend your driver’s license and even issue a warrant for your arrest.
Failure to pay child support — One of the methods of child support enforcement is suspension of your driver’s license by the Florida Department of Revenue. Your license can remain suspended until you have come to a payment agreement with the DOR.
Arrest on suspicion of DUI — Florida law allows a police officer to physically take your driver’s license when they place you under arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) or alcohol or drugs. The suspension can be extended upon conviction of DUI.
Traffic Points or Habitual Traffic Offenders (HTO) — If you accrue a certain number of points from pleading guilty to traffic violations, your license can be suspended. In addition, if you have three “strikes” involving leaving the scene of an accident, DUI, or driving while suspended within a five year period, you may face a five year suspension.
Other traffic or criminal offenses — Many additional violations can result in suspension of your driver’s license in Florida, including:
- Drug possession;
- Eluding law enforcement;
- Using a car in prostitution;
- Reckless driving;
- Theft or shoplifting;
- Stealing gasoline;
- Graffiti; or
- Racing on a Florida highway.
Do Not Delay In Calling A Boca Raton Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you suspect that your driver’s license has been suspended for any reason, you should immediately seek assistance from an experienced Boca Raton criminal and traffic defense lawyer. At the law firm of Lavalle, Brown & Ronan, we can take the steps necessary to get your license reinstated or to challenge the suspension. In addition, if you have been caught while driving on a suspended license, we can help with any additional consequences you may be facing. Please do not hesitate to call for a free initial consultation at 888-646-1315 to learn more about how we can help you.
