Orlando Driving While License Suspended Attorneys

Fighting DWLS Charges in Orlando

In Florida, driving without a valid driver’s license is illegal. Whether your license has expired, been suspended, or permanently revoked, operating a vehicle on the state’s highways can result in a citation or criminal charge. Depending on the situation, you could be fined and/or sent to jail or prison if you are convicted. Even though you might have been charged for driving while license suspended (DWLS) or without a valid license, you are not guilty unless proven so by a prosecutor. That means you can challenge the allegations against you and seek to reduce or avoid penalties.

For legal representation, turn to Alers Law Firm. Our Orlando driving while license suspended lawyers are prepared to fiercely fight to protect your rights, future, and driving privileges. Attorney Chavelys Alers is a former prosecutor who knows how the other side prepares for cases. We leverage this insight to craft well-rounded defenses aimed at weakening the arguments against our clients. Providing one-on-one attention and frequent case updates, we can deliver the counsel you need throughout the complexities of your case.

Schedule a consultation with one of our driving while license suspended attorneys by calling (407) 988-0992 or submitting an online contact form today.

What Happens If You Get Caught Driving with a Suspended License in Florida?

Under Florida Statutes § 322.34, if you drive in Florida while your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, you could receive a citation or be charged with a crime. What will specifically happen to you depends on whether you were subject to a suspension or revocation.

Driving while your license is suspended but having no knowledge of the suspension or revocation status is a moving violation. You could be fined if you are convicted of the offense.

If you operated a vehicle on Florida highways while your driving privileges were suspended, revoked, or canceled and you knew of the status of your license, you might be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.

The level depends on your criminal history and the facts of the case:

• Second-degree misdemeanor:
  • First violation
  • Up to 60 days in jail and/or
  • Up to $500 in fines
• First-degree misdemeanor:
  • Second or subsequent violation
  • Up to 1 year in jail and/or
  • Up to $1,000 in fines
  • Upon a third or subsequent violation, you must serve a minimum of 10 days in jail
• Third-degree felony:
  • Third or subsequent violation if the driver’s license was suspended as a result of a
    • DUI,
    • Chemical test refusal,
    • Traffic offense causing serious injury or death, or
    • Fleeing or eluding.
  • Up to 5 years in prison and/or
  • Up to $5,000 in fines

You may also be charged with a third-degree felony, even upon a first offense, if you didn’t have a license or your license was suspended or revoked, drove carelessly or negligently, and caused serious injury or death to someone.

What If You Drive When Your License Is Permanently Revoked in Florida?

Having your license permanently revoked means your privilege to drive is completely terminated. Operating a vehicle on a state highway when your license is in this status is a third-degree felony.

Upon a conviction, you could be sentenced to:

• Up to 5 years in prison and/or
• Up to $5,000 in fines.

The prosecutor must prove that you were aware of the suspension, revocation, or cancellation to obtain a conviction. They may present as evidence your admission to knowing about the suspension or a record from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles showing that a notification was personally delivered or mailed to you.

Our driving while license suspended attorneys in Orlando can carefully examine your case to determine what defenses to raise to challenge the prosecutor’s allegations.

Can You Drive without a Valid License in Florida?

To legally drive in Florida, you must have a valid driver's license. That means your license cannot be suspended, revoked, or expired when you operate a vehicle on the highway. It also means that you are prohibited from driving if you never received a license.

Driving without a valid License in Florida is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by:

• Up to 60 days in jail and/or
• Up to $500 in fines

Reach Out to Alers Law Firm

A charge for DWLS or driving with no valid license has serious consequences. If you have been accused of either offense, retain legal representation immediately. A lawyer can build your defense and help fight your charge.

To speak with an Orlando driving while license suspended lawyer, please contact us at (407) 988-0992.