How to Handle a Driving while License Suspended “Unknowingly” Offense — Civil Traffic Ticket
If you’ve received an driving while license suspended “unknowingly” ticket, you might be tempted to just pay the ticket and make the problem disappear, especially if it was a one-time emergency situation. However, we suggest you call an attorney and seriously consider the consequences first. In some specific cases, paying off a civil driving while license suspended is an automatic conviction and could lead to points on your driving record.
Depending on your previous offenses, the state of Florida may deem you a “habitual traffic offender.” This usually happens after you’ve had a combination of three driving while license suspended/revoked OR driving under the influence convictions in a five year span. Penalties for being a habitual traffic offender include a five-year revocation of your license.
You might be thinking that you’ve never been to court, so how could you be “convicted” of anything? Paying your ticket for a civil driving with a suspended license charge could be one of the three convictions required for you to be deemed a habitual traffic offender.
What can happen when you drive on a suspended license
If you’ve received a notice to appear or have been arrested for a driving while license suspended “knowingly” charge, we suggest you call an attorney immediately. If you drive on a suspended license, you could be charged with varying degrees of misdemeanors (which can carry a maximum fine of $1,000 and jail time of up to one year), or worse, a 3rd degree felony. Felonies of the 3rd degree can be punishable by a fine of $5,000 and up to five years in prison, plus a longer suspension or revocation of your license.
What should I do in either of these situations?
If you find yourself in this position:
- Call an attorney: It’s incredibly important that you consult an attorney before you pay a ticket or do anything else regarding your case. Paying a civil driving with a suspended license traffic ticket is an automatic guilty conviction that counts towards Florida’s habitual traffic offender designation—and that means future violations could get a lot more serious.
If you need to drive within the next five years, you can’t afford to risk another driving with a suspended license ticket in Tavares, FL.
Got a driving with a suspended license ticket? Call an attorney today
When you get a ticket for driving with a suspended license, it could have serious consequences. Depending on the circumstances of your offense and any prior issues you may have, you might be charged with a felony or misdemeanor. That’s why you need the help of a skilled criminal defense or traffic law attorney today. Call K.J. Law P.A. to get in touch with passionate, professional attorneys who will fight honestly and zealously for you every step of the way. We look forward to learning more about you and your case.
Categorised in: Criminal Defense