What Are The Consequences For Driving On A Suspended License In Florida?

In Florida there are two types of driving with a suspended license charges.  Driving with a suspended license with knowledge of the suspension is a criminal charge.  Driving with a suspended license without knowledge of the suspension is a civil infraction.

If the offense is criminal then a first offense for knowingly driving with a suspended license is a second degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail, 6 months probation and a $500 fine.  A second offense for knowingly driving with a suspended license is a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail, 1 year on probation and a $1,000 fine.  A third or subsequent offense for driving with a suspended license is a third degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison, 5 years probation and a $5,000 fine.

If you get 3 driving while license suspended convictions within a five year period the Florida Department Of Highway Safety And Motor Vehicles(DHSMV) will classify you as a habitual traffic offender and, consequently, will revoke your driving privilege for 5 years.  So basically 3 strikes in 5 years and you sit the bench for 5 years in the driving game.  You cannot even apply for a hearing for a hardship license for 1 year and just because you apply for a hardship license after 1 year does not mean DHSMV is going to give it to you.  So no driving for at least 1 year and then maybe DHSMV will allow you to drive for the next 4 years for business or employment purposes only.

A driving privilege restricted to “business purposes only” means a driving privilege that is limited to any driving necessary to maintain livelihood, including driving to and from work, necessary on-the-job driving, driving for educational purposes, and driving for church and for medical purposes.  A driving privilege restricted to “employment purposes only” means a driving privilege that is limited to driving to and from work and any necessary on-the-job driving required by an employer or occupation.

If the offense is a civil infraction then the penalty is a fine and points on your record.  Points on your driving record can lead to a license suspension in addition to increased car insurance costs.  It is important to know that a conviction for the civil infraction of driving with a suspended license still counts as a strike towards being classified as a habitual traffic offender and losing your license for 5 years.

If you have been charged with driving with a suspended license please contact Chris S. Boatright, P.A. at 407-740-8300 to discuss your case.  Chris is a former driving with a suspended license prosecutor who has been defending people charged with driving with a suspended license for over 18 years.  If driving is important to you then put his knowledge and experience to work protecting your driver’s license and your record.

Driving with a suspended license charges can be beaten in court for many reasons.  Chris has beaten them for many clients and he may be able to beat them for you.  Call 407-740-8300 for a free consultation.