DWLS – Overview
DWLS – Penalties
DWLS – Laws
DWLS – Reasons for Suspension, Revocation or Cancellation
DWLS – Reinstatement
DWLS – Definitions
DWLS - Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO)
Other Driver's License Offenses  

Overview

 

Driving while your license is suspended, revoked, cancelled or disqualified is a very common crime in Florida.  Visitors and residents alike are often surprised to hear that it is criminal offense.  Florida, unlike many states, has made driving with your license suspended a crime subject to punishment such as probation, jail or prison. Under certain circumstances the charge can be elevated to a third degree felony or you could even lose your license for five years as a Habitual Traffic Offender.

              

Click here for more on “Habitual Traffic Offender”

 

The offense of driving with your license suspended or revoked can be classified into the following four main categories:

 

1. Driving with license suspended (without knowledge) is a civil moving violation;
2. Driving with license suspended (with knowledge) FIRST offense is a criminal 2^nd degree misdemeanor;
3. Driving with license suspended (with knowledge) SECOND offense is a criminal 1^st degree misdemeanor;
4. Driving with license suspended (with knowledge) THIRD OR SUBSEQUENT offense for the most part is now a criminal first degree misdemeanor and under some circumstances a 3^rd degree felony.

 

The classification depends on several factors including knowledge of the suspension, the reason for the suspension, and whether the individual has had any prior DWLS convictions.

 

 

A Solid Defense

 

Though common, a Florida license violation can carry some pretty severe penalties. If you have been charged with this crime your rights need to be protected. At Corzo & Kohrs each defense lawyer has handled hundreds of Florida license violation cases.  When we accept such a case, we focus on beating the charge, not simply negotiating “the best deal possible.” A DWLS can be burdensome and the penalties are wide ranging and can include jail or prison time, probation, additional license revocations, driving school, community service hours, fines and court costs. Similar to a DUI, we will first examine the State’s case to determine the lawfulness of your stop and arrest, the existence of all evidence that may be favorable to your case and evaluate your case for possible defenses that may result in the charges being dismissed or the penalty reduced.

 

The facts of every license violation case are different and because of the various complexities involved in handling these types of cases, it is vitally important that you obtain representation from a lawyer experienced in defending, not prosecuting these types of crimes.

 

Consult With Experienced Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers

 

If you have been arrested and charged with driving with your license suspended or revoked call the Orlando Kissimmee criminal defense lawyers at Corzo & Kohrs. Call toll free 877-99CK-LAW for a free consultation and explanation of your rights.

 

Central Florida license criminal defense lawyers Will Corzo and Sam Kohrs represent clients charged with driving with their license suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified throughout central Florida, including Orange, Osceola and Pinellas County and are available 24 hours a day and on weekends and holidays.