Habitual Traffic Offender Designation

To the uninitiated, driving with a suspended license may seem like a relatively minor criminal charge. In reality, the suspended license law is one of the most complicated and harmful criminal statutes that exists. People with unpaid traffic tickets or criminal fines may quickly find themselves in hot water when their licenses are suspended due to those financial difficulties or other reasons. Those who are convicted of driving with a suspended license multiple times run the risk of becoming a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO), which can bring even more difficulties. If you are charged with driving on a suspended or revoked license, it is critical that you speak to an experienced Clearwater suspended license lawyer who can help you navigate these complicated offenses.

The State of Florida doles out license suspensions on a regular basis. Florida’s system of license suspensions can sometimes feel designed to get people trapped in a cycle that demands more and more time and money to escape. Common license suspensions arise from unpaid financial obligations. If you have unpaid traffic tickets that sometimes go up to $1000, your license will be suspended until you pay it off. If you have ever been convicted of a crime and the State assesses expensive court costs and fines against you, your license will be suspended. If you have been arrested for a DUI, your license will typically be suspended and you will be required to attend DUI school in order to retain your driving privileges.

If you have been involved in a car accident and you did not have car insurance or your insurance company drops you, you may end up with a suspended license until you pay for the damages to the other person’s vehicle. This is a difficult situation and sometimes results in license suspensions lasting years. If your license is suspended for any of these reasons, you should contact a dedicated Clearwater suspended license lawyer today to regain your driving privilege.

The most burdensome license suspension of all is the Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) suspension. In a five year period, if you are convicted three times of driving with a suspended license, DUI, or leaving the scene of an accident with injuries, you can be designated a Habitual Traffic Offender by the Florida DHSMV. If you become HTO, your license will be suspended for five years. Additionally, if you are caught driving with an HTO designation, you could face felony driving with a suspended license charges, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

The most effective way to avoid the penalties of a Habitual Traffic Offender designation is to avoid becoming a Habitual Traffic Offender at all. A Clearwater suspended license attorney with experience dealing with all facets of the suspended license process can help you to regain and keep your drivers license. However, if you do find yourself facing an HTO problem, there is still much that must be done.

If you are a Habitual Traffic Offender, a skilled lawyer can still help you get your license back. Under some circumstances, you can apply for a hardship license or a business purpose only license while you are HTO. You have one chance to apply for a hardship license after you have served one year of your five year HTO suspension. A lawyer can help you prepare for this hardship hearing and can ensure that your one chance to regain your driving privilege is a success.

Don’t let yourself get trapped in the cycle of the suspended license. Florida’s suspended license system is designed to trap you and to cost you your money, time, and sometimes your freedom. You should contact the suspended license attorneys at Hanlon law at the first sign of trouble with your license. We have the skills and experience to keep you legally on the road and out of trouble. Call us today at 727.897.5413.