Miami, FL Felony Suspended License Defense Attorney

Experienced Lawyer Defending Against Felony Charges of Driving With a Suspended License in Miami, Florida

Driving while your is license suspended or revoked (which may referred to using the abbreviation DWLS), is a common misdemeanor offense in Florida, but some offenses may rise to felony charges. Felony convictions will typically result in longer prison sentences and higher fines.

A driver's license suspension crime can become a felony offense if an alleged offender has prior DWLS convictions. Another common reason that people face felony driving while license suspended charges is because they have been designated as habitual traffic offenders (HTOs), which means they have accumulated a significant number of traffic convictions in a limited period of time.

Let Our Miami Attorney Help You

If you were arrested in Miami, Florida for an alleged felony DWLS offense, it is in your best interest to exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal representation. Contact The Hoffman Firm as soon as possible to discuss the details of your case with our team.

Miami criminal defense lawyer Evan Hoffman represents clients accused of traffic offenses in numerous communities throughout the Miami area. If you need help, our legal team can meet with you and provide a free, confidential consultation.

Habitual Traffic Offender Designation in Florida

Florida Statute § 322.34(5) establishes that if any person with a revoked driver's license continues to drive, they may be found guilty of a third-degree felony. Florida Statute § 322.264 provides the state's definition for HTO as any person who has accumulated the specified number of convictions for offenses described in Florida Statute § 322.264(1) or Florida Statute § 322.264(2) within a five-year period.

Under Florida Statute § 322.264(1), three or more convictions of any one of the following offenses can result in HTO status:

• Voluntary or involuntary vehicular manslaughter
• Any driving under the influence (DUI) violation
• Driving a motor vehicle after a person's license has been suspended or revoked
• Failing to stop and provide aid as required under the laws of this state following a damaging or fatal motor vehicle accident
• Any felony involving the use of a motor vehicle
• Driving a commercial vehicle while the driver's privilege is disqualified

An alleged offender can also be classified as an HTO under Florida Statute § 322.264(2) if he or she accumulates 15 convictions for certain moving traffic offenses as set forth in Florida Statute § 322.27.

Penalties for Felony Driving While Driver's License Is Suspended

Florida Statute § 322.34(2)(c) establishes that knowingly driving while a license is suspended, revoked, canceled, or disqualified is a third-degree felony if the alleged crime is the alleged offender's third or subsequent conviction. If the alleged offender drove a commercial motor vehicle while his or her driver license or driving privileges were canceled, suspended, revoked, or disqualified, then a second DWLS conviction is also a third-degree felony under Florida Statute § 322.34(7)(b).

Under Florida Statute § 322.34(6)(b), driving while a driver's license is suspended, revoked, canceled, or disqualified is also a third-degree felony if the alleged offender drove while his or her license was canceled, suspended, or revoked, and also operated the motor vehicle in a careless or negligent way that caused the death of or serious bodily injury to another human being.

All third-degree felony convictions are punishable as follows:

• Up to five years in prison; and/or
• Fine of up to $5,000.

Contact Our Miami Felony DWLS Defense Lawyer

Were you recently arrested in Miami for an alleged felony DWLS offense? Do not make any statements to authorities without legal counsel. Contact The Hoffman Firm as soon as possible by calling 305-249-0090.

Evan Hoffman is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Miami who represents people who have been charged with serious traffic offenses, including felony charges for driving with a suspended license. If you need legal help, our firm is here. Get in touch with us to schedule a free case consultation.