Driving is a privilege that many people, unfortunately, take for granted. In certain cases, whether because you have too many unpaid parking tickets, a DUI or another offense, the state will take your driver’s license. This means the state does not want you to drive.
Yet, many people drive anyway, despite having a suspended or revoked driver’s license. Many of them do not know the consequences of doing this, and it is important to understand what these are.
Regardless of how many times the police catch you, they will most likely arrest you. Do not be surprised and request to speak with your attorney as soon as possible, regardless of how many times the police catch you. Do not say anything else.
While your attorney can help you in court, there’s generally a range of punishments that come with these offenses.
Punishments
If it is your first time, the state will charge you with a second-degree misdemeanor. You will have to pay up to $500 and the court can send you to jail for up to 60 days.
If it’s your second offense, it escalates to a first-degree misdemeanor. This leads to a higher fine, up to $1000 or more and the court is more likely to send you to jail. Imprisonment time is up to one year.
If this is your third offense or beyond your third, the court will likely convict you of a misdemeanor, but the judge is probably going to be much less lenient on the punishment imposed.
For example, the court can ask for you to pay a higher fine and spend a much longer period of time in jail. You may also have to attend education programs.
Other consequences
In addition to the above, if police catches you driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, the court will probably extend the period of time that you cannot drive.
In addition, all of this goes on your record. Insurance companies can see this and they may refuse to insure you or offer you insurance policies at much higher rates.
Lastly, repeated violations tell the court that you do not respect the law, and the judge can take away your driving privileges permanently.
Driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license in Florida is a serious offense. There is a reason the state does not want you behind the wheel and if you still do it and get caught, it can negatively impact every area of your life.
It is really important to have legal representation if you get caught driving with a suspended or revoked license, because your attorney may have information about possible defenses, exceptions and other knowledge that can help you get the best deal possible in court.