Understanding a Habitual Traffic Offender in Florida
Most traffic offenses are punishable by a small fine and points assessed against one’s driving record but nothing more.
On the contrary, committing a number of traffic violations over a short amount of time, or committing serious traffic crimes can earn one the classification of a “habitual traffic offender.”
Jail time for a habitual traffic offender in Florida varies depending on the circumstances of the case.
Consider the following about what you should know about habitual traffic offender Florida jail time. Also, be sure to reach out to our experienced traffic and criminal defense law firm for more information.
What is a Habitual Traffic Offender in Florida?
As found in Florida Statutes Section 322.264, a person with a habitual traffic offender status is any person whose traffic record shows that the person has accumulated a specific number of convictions or a specific number of convictions within a five-year period.
So, if you receive three, or more, of the following convictions in a five-year period, you will be a habitual traffic offender in Florida:
- Voluntary or
involuntary manslaughter; - A felony
where a motor vehicle is used; - Driving with
a suspended or revoked license; - Failing to
stop and help–as required by law–in a crash resulting in injury or death to
another; or - Driving a
commercial vehicle with a disqualified license.
In addition to being convicted of three, or more, of the above offenses within a five-year period, a person can also be classified as a habitual traffic offender if they are convicted of 15 different traffic offenses/moving violation (not necessarily those above) for which points are assessed within a five-year period.
Habitual
Traffic Offender Florida: Jail Time and Penalties
As found in Florida statutes, any person who is designated as a habitual traffic offender will have their driver’s license revoked for a minimum of five years. In addition to a mandatory five-year driver’s license suspension, the habitual traffic offender caught driving will also face:
- Third-degree
felony charges; - Up to a
$5,000 fine; and - Jail time of
up to five years.
(Note that in some cases, a habitual traffic offender designation can be a first-degree misdemeanor charge, but only in the event that the prior driving with a suspended license charge arose from a financial obligation, such as the failure to pay child support. A first-degree misdemeanor charge will not be as harshly punished as a third-degree felony charge.)
Whether or not you are actually sentenced
to jail, and whether or not you are sentenced for the maximum five-year period,
will depend on a number of factors. This is one of the primary reasons why it
is important to work with a skilled Florida traffic and criminal defense
attorney.
Securing
the Best Outcome for Your Case – Defenses and Strategies
If you are facing charges as a habitual traffic offender, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an attorney who can help you to understand your legal options and build your defense. For example, you could argue that your license suspension arose from a financial obligation, or that you had no idea that your license was suspended at the time that you were driving your motor vehicle. Also, you may be able to attack previous convictions on your record.
Your attorney can guide you through the
process, your options, and the potential jail time and sentence you’re facing.
For most people, avoiding jail time is the top priority – working with a
skilled attorney improves the chances of this being a reality.
Contact
the Traffic Law Firm of Skubiak & Rivas, P.A. Today for a Free Consultation
We know that facing a traffic offense or traffic crime can be scary. Consequently, this can also raise a lot of questions about what your options are. So, if you have faced numerous traffic offenses that you have now been designated as a habitual traffic offender in Florida, you are looking at a myriad of consequences. Some of these include significant jail time, a large fine, and the other, non-criminal or administrative penalties that accompany this crime. For example, these penalties can be missed opportunities in the future.
Don’t Hesitate, Contact Our Florida Habitual Traffic Offender Attorney Today
One thing that you can do to improve the outcome of your case and protect your rights is to work with a skilled criminal defense lawyer. At the law office of Skubiak & Rivas, P.A., we have experience working with those who are facing traffic crimes of all ranges of severity. This includes those who have been classified as habitual traffic offenders. We will work hard to protect your rights, reduce the charges against you, or secure the least severe sentence as possible.
Please call us today at 407-894-4449 or send us a message online to learn more about working with us.
