Fort Lauderdale, Florida Traffic Crimes Lawyer

Attorney Defending Against Traffic Violations and Criminal Traffic Charges in Fort Lauderdale

Traffic charges may seem minor at first, but even a single conviction can have lasting consequences. Repeated traffic infractions or serious traffic crimes can result in steep fines, license suspension, higher insurance rates, and even jail time in some cases. For many people, driving is an essential part of everyday life, and it is critical to address traffic charges and take steps to prevent the loss of a driver's license and other penalties.

At The Hoffman Firm, our lawyer assists drivers in Fort Lauderdale who have been charged with civil traffic infractions and criminal traffic offenses. We work to help our clients minimize their potential penalties, protect their driving privileges, and avoid the long-term effects of a conviction. Whether challenging a speeding ticket, defending against reckless driving charges, or representing a client in a hit-and-run case, our attorney can provide the strategic defense needed to resolve a case successfully.

Understanding Traffic Offenses in Florida

Traffic violations in Florida fall into two broad categories: civil traffic infractions and criminal traffic offenses. Both types of charges can impact a person's driving record and lead to increased penalties over time. However, traffic crimes will often result in more serious penalties, which is why a strong defense is crucial

Common Civil Traffic Infractions

Non-criminal traffic violations are typically punishable by a fine and points on a person's driver's license. While these charges do not carry jail time, they can still affect a person's record, and the accumulation of points can lead to a license suspension. Examples of civil traffic infractions include speeding, failure to yield, running a red light or stop sign, improper lane changes, illegal U-turns, and driving without proof of insurance.

An infraction will typically result in a fine, and a specific number of points will be added to the driver's record. Accumulating too many points within a certain time period can lead to an automatic license suspension. The length of a suspension will depend on the total number of points:

• 12 points in 12 months will result in a 30-day license suspension
• 18 points in 18 months will result in a three-month license suspension
• 24 points in 36 months will result in a one-year license suspension

Criminal Traffic Offenses

Unlike civil infractions, traffic crimes can lead to potential jail time, probation, license revocation, and a permanent criminal record. Examples of criminal traffic offenses in Florida include:

• Reckless Driving: Operating a vehicle in a way that shows a disregard for other people's safety can result in criminal charges. First-time offenders could be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail, fined up to $500, and have four points added to their license. Penalties increase for repeat offenses or in cases involving serious injuries or property damage.
• Driving With a Suspended License: A first offense may be a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail.
• Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement: A driver who refuses to stop when directed to do so by police or who tries to escape law enforcement may face felony charges. More serious penalties may apply if a person endangered or injured others during a police pursuit.
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident: This offense is also known as hit and run. The penalties may depend on whether an accident involved property damage, injuries, or death. Cases involving injuries or fatalities may result in felony charges.
• Street Racing: Engaging in races or street takeovers or committing dangerous maneuvers such as burnouts or doughnuts can lead to criminal charges. These offenses may be classified as misdemeanors, but repeat offenses may result in felony charges.

Defending Against Traffic Charges

The Hoffman Firm provides representation in both civil and criminal traffic cases in Fort Lauderdale. While civil infractions may be resolved without a court appearance in some cases, criminal traffic offenses will often require a more comprehensive legal strategy to help prevent a conviction or minimize the penalties that a person may face.

In civil traffic cases, our lawyer may seek to dismiss a ticket based on a lack of evidence or procedural errors. He can take steps to prevent points from being added to a driver's record and negotiate reduced fines or other resolutions that will help a person avoid further penalties. Challenging a traffic citation can help a person avoid insurance rate increases, the potential loss of a driver's license, and other issues that could affect them in the future.

In more serious cases involving criminal charges, our attorney will examine the case to determine the defense strategies that may be available. He can address issues such as:

• Lack of Evidence: Our lawyer can take steps to challenge the prosecution's ability to prove all elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Unlawful Traffic Stop: If a police officer did not have a valid reason for pulling the driver over, our attorney can take steps to suppress evidence obtained during the stop.
• Mistaken Identity: In cases involving hit-and-run or street racing, the identity of the driver who committed the alleged offense may be in question. Our lawyer can raise doubt about whether a defendant can be conclusively identified.
• Necessity or Emergency: Our attorney may argue that a person was driving recklessly or fleeing in response to a legitimate emergency.
• No Knowledge of a License Suspension: In cases where a person is accused of driving without a valid license, the prosecution must prove that the driver knew of the suspension. Our lawyer may be able to show that a person had not received a notice of a license suspension and did not know that they were committing an offense.

Our attorney may be able to negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing, such as probation, driving school, or community service. This can help a person avoid jail time and other serious penalties.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale, FL Traffic Charges Attorney

If you have been ticketed for a traffic violation or charged with a criminal traffic offense, The Hoffman Firm can provide you with a strong defense. We will work to keep you on the road and out of court whenever possible. Contact our Fort Lauderdale traffic crimes defense lawyer at 954-524-4474 and schedule a free consultation today.