Driving While License Suspended Attorney Tampa

Driving while license suspended Defense Attorney Marc A. Joseph

Many Tampa drivers face suspension of their Florida driver’s license for any one of a number of reasons. Regardless of why your driver’s license has been suspended, the penalties for committing the crime of driving while license suspended (DWLS) can be quite serious, resulting in significant jail time in some cases. You also face further suspension of your Florida driver’s license and, even possibly the revocation of your Florida driver’s license if you have multiple DWLS convictions on your record.

Because the consequences of a DWLS conviction vary from person to person, speaking with a qualified Tampa DWLS Defense Attorney right away is the most important step you can take in order to fight the DWLS charge against you. Marc A. Joseph, P.A. provides each of his clients with the tools they need to move forward without serving jail time and minimizing the period of time their driver’s license is suspended when possible. Tampa DWLS Defense Attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A. provides the same outstanding legal representation to each and every client, regardless of how serious the crime may be. It is important to have a general understanding of what is at stake if you drive while your Florida driver’s license is suspended. The more knowledgeable you are about Florida’s DWLS laws, the better off you will be in avoiding this criminal charge in the future.

Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) in Florida

Under Florida law, driving with a suspended driver’s license can be a very serious crime that leaves you with a tarnished criminal record. More often than not, individuals who decide to drive without their license have knowledge that their Florida driver’s license has been suspended or revoked. However, there are some situations where an individual may be driving with a suspended license and not actually be aware that his or her Florida driver’s license is suspended. If this is the case, the individual may not be formally charged with the crime of driving while license suspended. To determine whether or not you are facing formal charges, you should speak with Tampa DWLS Defense Attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A.

An individual may be found guilty of driving while license suspended if he or she knowingly operates a motor vehicle in violation of the terms of the suspension. Reasons why individuals may have a suspended driver’s license include, but are not limited to, the following:

Prior DUI conviction(s);
A large amount of accumulated points on their driver’s licenses;
Unpaid traffic tickets;
Failed driving tests (either written or practical); and
Failed vision test.

The more serious the underlying crime is, the more likely that the consequences of a DWLS conviction will be serious. For example, if you have a prior DUI conviction and are now facing a DWLS charge, you are subject to fairly harsh consequences that could leave you without a Florida driver’s license for quite some period of time. On the other hand, if you have racked up points on your driver’s license or have failed to pay your traffic tickets, the consequences of facing a DWLS charge may not be nearly as serious. However, a DWLS charge should not be taken lightly even if the circumstances of the charge are not that serious.

Consequences of Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) in Florida

Under Florida law, a first DWLS offense is considered a second degree misdemeanor. If convicted, you face up to sixty days in jail and the imposition of fines up to $500. A second DWLS offense is considered a first degree misdemeanor in Florida. If convicted, you face up to one year in jail and the imposition of fines up to $1,000. Subsequent DWLS convictions can significantly harm your criminal record. If you have three or more DWLS convictions in a five-year period, you face up to five years in jail and the imposition of fines up to $5,000. Further, you will likely have restricted driving privileges for an indefinite period of time.

In addition to facing potential jail time and hefty fines, you may also be required to attend driving classes, and be sentenced to probation, effectively limiting your rights as a Florida driver. Further, if convicted of DWLS, you will have yet another scar on your criminal record that will follow you around as you apply for jobs, apply to attend a college or university, or complete a rental application so that you have a place to live. These basic life necessities are greatly hindered by even the most minor criminal conviction on your record. Not only do you have check-marks against you for a past DUI conviction, or a poor driving record, but you now have a crime on your record that paints you in a very negative light. Regardless of whether or not you are otherwise a model citizen, a seemingly minor crime can haunt you for years to come.

Because the consequences can be severe for a Florida DWLS conviction, it is imperative to seek the advice of a skilled Tampa DWLS Defense Attorney to discuss your pending criminal charge(s). Marc A. Joseph, P.A. understands what is at stake, and seeks to resolve each client’s criminal charge in the most reasonable way possible. Any criminal charge can leave you feeling less than human, even if the crime is not one that is ordinarily considered very serious. Tampa DWLS Defense Attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A. will take your criminal situation just as seriously as he does for any other client, even if the crime you are facing is a minor first-time offense. With the help of Marc A. Joseph, P.A., you will be receiving the representation you need to reach a fair outcome to your DWLS charge.

Contact Tampa DWLS Defense Attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A. Today for a Free Consultation

The ability to drive in Florida is essential for most individuals to travel to work, school, and other places in order to live a relatively normal life on a day to day basis. As such, the loss of your Florida driver’s license can be a significant hindrance to you way of life. A DWLS conviction can leave you without a Florida driver’s license for a significant period of time. If you or someone you know has been charged with DWLS, you must act quickly to fight the criminal charge(s) against you. Your driving privileges are at stake, and there is too much to lose. Tampa DWLS Defense Attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A. has the experience and skill required to help you reach the most fair and reasonable outcome to your situation. Don’t wait to act, as the longer you move forward without the help of an attorney, the more difficult it will be to fight a DWLS charge. Marc A. Joseph, P.A. has more than 15 years of experience defending his clients’ rights to the fullest extent possible. If you would like to speak with Marc A. Joseph, P.A. about your DWLS charge, contact our office today by calling (813) 234-6374 to schedule your free consultation. Tampa DWLS Defense Attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A. is available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns.

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