Criminal Defense Attorney in Broward County: Potential Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License

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23rd Jan 2018

Sometimes after a person’s driver’s license is suspended because of a drunk driving conviction, failure to pay fines, failure to pay child support or other reason, he or she may decide to continue to drive.  He or she may need to get to work, take children to school or perform other routine activities.  A criminal defense attorney in Broward County can explain the potential consequences that a person faces when they decide to drive on a suspended license.  A criminal defense attorney in Broward County can also explain if any potential defenses may be asserted to protect the rights of the defendant.

Florida law bases the potential penalties for driving without a license on the number of times the defendant has committed the offense.  For a first offense, a defendant faces up to 60 days in jail and a fine up to $500.

For a second offense, the defendant faces a potential charge of a first degree misdemeanor.  This offense can result in jail time up to one year and a fine up to $5,000.

For a third offense, the defendant is charged with a felony.  He or she faces five years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $5,000.  Additionally, if the third offense and at least two previous other offenses for driving on a suspended license occurred within five years of each other, the defendant can be labeled as a Habitual Traffic Offender.  This label results in a revocation of driving privileges for five years and being prohibited from seeking a hardship license for at least a year after the most recent conviction.