When most people think about what causes a loss of driving privileges, the most common thought is a DUI or other traffic offense. For certain these are instances that can result in loss of your driver’s license, but they are not the only ways in which the State will suspend your right to drive. There are some “non-criminal” ways that people find themselves without a license, and it is good to know just what is on the list of ways you can lose your license without even driving, so you can take steps to avoid getting around on foot.
The four most common ways to lose your license without driving include any of the following things:
- Failing to pay court costs or fines associated with a criminal or civil case to which you are a party.
- Neglecting to pay court ordered child support payments.
- Accumulating too many points on your driving record.
- Ignoring orders of paternity, or failing to show up in court when subpoenaed to appear.
Of these possibilities, accumulating too many points on your record can carry the shortest suspension period. The Habitual Traffic Offender laws set forth a stair step of suspension time periods depending on the number of points on your record. If you get 12 points within 12 years the suspension period is only 30 days, but as the number of points increases so does the length of time for which your license will be suspended. Knowing this information illustrates the need to fight every traffic ticket you receive, regardless how minor it may seem. This includes speeding tickets, which can usually be resolved by agreeing to drive the speed limit in exchange for a reduction in the ticket. The agreement is usually done by going on probation for a short time, and once that time expires the charge will be reduced to one that does not show up on your insurance and also does not add points to your driving record. For more information about how to fight a traffic ticket, call one of our traffic defense attorneys. We can also give you information about DUI matters as well as offer criminal defense assistance for other types of cases, like drug or grow house related charges.
For more information about DUI cases, call our office today. Contact us today schedule an appointment with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. The first visit is a free initial consultation.