Road DangerMinimalists live by the mantra that “less is more”. This is also true in the area of criminal law, where the fewer violations you have, the better. Especially when dealing with traffic violations. This is true because in Florida, if you have more than a certain number of traffic offenses in a five year period you run the risk of losing your right to drive.

The Habitual Traffic Offender law allows the state to take your license for a period of five years if you fall within one of the following categories:

● More than three offenses of the following types:

Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter

A felony, while operating a motor vehicle

Driving on a revoked or suspended licenses

Failing to stop and help a victim of an accident which resulted in death or other personal injury

Unauthorized operation of a commercial vehicle

● Fifteen convictions of moving violations that add points to your driving record

Loss of your driver’s license for five years can create a real hardship. You will have to rely on other forms of transportation to get to work, school, or other activities. To avoid this type of disruption to your daily life, you must fight to keep your license. One way you can do this is by filing post-conviction motions relative to one of the convictions that led to the decision that landed you on the habitual traffic offender list. If you are able to have one of those convictions overturned or dismissed, you no longer meet the criteria for the State to consider you a habitual offender. Accomplishing this goal takes hard work and determination, and the help of a qualified criminal defense attorney.

If you have received notice that your driving privileges are being revoked under the habitual traffic offender laws, contact a qualified criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. Your first visit is a free consultation and we work with you to reach results that fit your needs.