The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) can revoke or suspend a driver’s license or driving privilege for several driving-related and non-driving-related reasons. If you drive on a revoked or suspended driver’s license, then you can be arrested for the crime of Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (DWLSR). The crime is charged as a second-degree misdemeanor for a first
offense or a first-degree misdemeanor for a second conviction. What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation? A suspension means the temporary withdrawal of the privilege to drive as explained in Section 322.01(40), F.S. On the other hand, a “revocation” means a termination of the privilege to drive as explained in Section 322.01(36), F.S. Knowingly driving on a suspended or revoked driver’s license is a criminal offense that comes with criminal penalties. Having a
criminal record might come with collateral consequences that last a lifetime. For example, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) can suspend your driver’s license for five years as a habitual traffic offender if you are convicted of three (3) serious driving offenses including driving on a suspended driver’s license (either with or without knowledge). Attorneys for DWLSR with Knowledge in Tampa, FLAfter an arrest for driving on a suspended or revoked license with knowledge, seek out the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney in Tampa, FL. Before you go to court, you should understand the consequences of entering a “guilty” or “no contest” to this criminal charge. The attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm represent clients on driving while license suspended with knowledge throughout Hillsborough County, FL, including at the courthouse in Tampa and Plant City. We also represent clients in the surrounding counties including Hernando County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, Manatee County, and Polk County. We welcome your calls to discuss the case. Call 813-250-0500. Criminal Consequences for DWLSWhat happens when an officer discovers that you are driving on a revoked or suspended license in Florida? Any offense for driving while license suspended with knowledge in Florida is a criminal offense punishable with criminal penalties. The maximum sentence and penalties for a DWLSR charge depend on the way the crime is charged including:
Administrative Consequences of DWLSIf you enter a plea to three or more serious driving offenses within a five-year period, then your driver’s license will be suspended as a Habitual Traffic Offender. Driving while your license is suspended as a Habitual Traffic Offender is a third-degree felony punishable by five years in Florida State Prison. A conviction for DWLS might also lead to an increase in your car insurance premiums. Police Procedures for DWLS InvestigationsWhen an officer suspects that a motorist’s driver’s license is either suspended or revoked, the following procedures apply:
Driving Related Offenses that Trigger a Driver’s License Suspension or RevocationIf you are convicted of any of the following types of driving-related offenses, then your driver’s license can be suspended or revoked:
If you have been arrested for driving while license suspended or revoked in the Tampa Bay area, including Tampa or Plant City in Hillsborough County, FL, then contact an attorney at the Sammis Law Firm for more information about fighting this serious criminal charge. Call 813-250-0500. This article was last updated on Monday, February 7, 2022. What happens if you drive around with a suspended license?If you get caught driving with a suspended license, it could lead to penalties including fines and imprisonment, depending on what type of violation led to the suspension. The sentence would be more severe for repeat offenders.
Is driving on a suspended license a misdemeanor in Arkansas?You can be charged with a crime if you drive with a suspended or revoked license. The offense is a misdemeanor that carries a minimum sentence of two days in jail and a maximum sentence of six months in jail. In addition, you may be fined up to $500 and be given an extended period of suspension or revocation.
Can you go to jail for driving on a suspended license in TN?Penalties for driving on a suspended license in Tennessee
In Tennessee, driving on a suspended license is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by six months in jail and $500 in fines.
What happens if you get pulled over with a suspended license in Florida?The first time you're caught driving with a suspended license it's a second-degree misdemeanor that can come with a 60-day jail sentence and a fine of up to $500. A second offense could put you in jail for up to one year with a fine of up to $1,000.
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