Tavares Criminal Traffic Violation Attorney
Defending Your Rights Inside & Outside the Courtroom
Have You or Someone You Know Been Arrested for a Criminal Traffic Violation?
While traffic offenses are fairly common, repeat offenses or more severe violations can have heavy consequences and impacts on someone’s life including loss of driving privileges, expensive fees, and even incarceration. Washo and Spivey is a team of experienced Tavares criminal traffic violation attorneys who have been successfully defending clients in Tavares and Lake County, Florida for over 45 years.
We will assess the details of your case including eyewitness testimony, traffic cam footage, and police reports to develop a strong defense strategy and help you achieve the best possible legal outcome. Our office is also conveniently located next to the Lake County Clerk of Courts and Lake County Jail, so we are always nearby and ready to assist you.
What Is a Criminal Traffic Violation?
Criminal traffic offenses include driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, racing on the highway, driving without a valid license, and leaving the scene of an accident. Penalties for traffic violations vary from fines and points on your driving record for minor infractions to suspension or revocation of driving privileges, mandatory driving courses, and even imprisonment for more severe violations.
Florida uses a points system to track driver offenses, where accumulating too many points within a specific timeframe can lead to license suspension. Understanding these laws is crucial for navigating the consequences of traffic violations and maintaining a clean driving record.
Providing Strong 24/7 Legal Representation in Tavares, FL
Florida Criminal Traffic Violation Laws & Penalties
Florida’s traffic violation laws are designed to maintain road safety and discipline among drivers. The state categorizes violations into non-moving and moving violations that carry specific penalties. Non-moving violations typically involve parking offenses, while moving violations include speeding, DUI, and reckless driving. Florida utilizes a points system in which points accumulate on your driver’s license for various infractions.
Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension. Severe violations, especially DUIs, can result in heavy fines, license revocation, mandatory education courses, or imprisonment. Understanding these laws is essential for drivers to navigate the legal repercussions and promote safer driving practices within the state.
Common Types of Criminal Traffic Violations in Florida
Florida’s roads are governed by a comprehensive set of traffic laws, addressing everything from minor speeding offenses to more serious violations like Driving Under the Influence. Understanding the different types of criminal traffic violations and adherence to these laws can help you avoid accidents or legal penalties.
Driving With a Suspended License
Driving with a suspended license in Florida is a serious offense that can lead to additional penalties, including fines, further suspension, or even imprisonment. This violation indicates that a driver has operated a vehicle despite their driving privileges being temporarily revoked or suspended, often due to prior traffic violations or legal issues.
Driving Without a Valid License
Driving without a valid driver’s license occurs when an individual operates a vehicle without ever having obtained a license or if their license has expired, been revoked, or suspended. Penalties can include fines, vehicle impoundment, and potential criminal charges.
Fleeing the Scene of an Accident
Fleeing the scene of an accident, also known as a hit-and-run, is a criminal offense in Florida. This serious violation involves leaving the site of a crash without providing contact information or rendering aid to anyone who might need assistance. Penalties can be severe, including fines, license revocation, and imprisonment.
Driving Without Insurance
Driving without insurance in Florida is a violation of state law since it requires that all vehicles must be covered by a minimum level of auto insurance. This infraction can lead to penalties such as fines, license and registration suspension, and the requirement to carry a non-standard insurance policy for future coverage.
Vehicular Homicide
Vehicular homicide is charged when a death results from reckless driving conduct that demonstrates a gross disregard for human life. This grave offense carries severe penalties, including significant prison time, fines, and a permanent mark on the offender’s record.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is considered a serious offense that is punishable by fines, license suspension, mandatory education programs, and possible imprisonment. This charge applies when a driver operates a vehicle impaired by alcohol or drugs, posing a significant risk to public safety and carrying long-term legal and personal consequences.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for driving under the influence, contact our office to schedule a consultation with a Tavares DUI attorney, Bushnell DUI attorney, or The Villages DUI attorney.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Traffic Offenses
In the legal system, traffic offenses are categorized into misdemeanors or felonies depending on the severity and potential harm they cause. Misdemeanor traffic offenses, such as minor speeding violations or running a stop sign, are less severe and typically result in fines, points on a driver’s license, or short-term imprisonment.
Felony traffic offenses include more serious violations like DUI with injury, vehicular homicide, or repeated DUI offenses. These crimes carry harsher penalties including significant prison time, hefty fines, and long-term license suspension. The transition from a misdemeanor to a felony offense usually hinges on factors like the presence of aggravating circumstances, prior convictions, and the degree of risk or harm to public safety.
Find a Tavares Traffic Violation Attorney Near Me
Depending on the circumstances, a criminal traffic offense can have serious implications including loss of driving privileges, crippling legal fees, and even jail time. If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged with a traffic offense, contact our law office to schedule a consultation with a Tavares criminal traffic violation attorney, Bushnell criminal traffic violation attorney, or The Villages criminal traffic violation attorney.
