Suspended License Lawyer in Jupiter
In Jupiter and throughout Palm Beach County, getting around without a dependable means of transportation can be a real challenge. Criminal charges related to driving on a suspended or revoked license carry penalties that can affect your ability to work, care for your family, and maintain your daily responsibilities. For those whose livelihoods depend on having a valid driver’s license, facing a suspension can be particularly damaging.
With over 30 years of experience, Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel will handle your suspended license case using all the knowledge and skill developed over the span of his career. He is committed to affording every case the personalized attention it deserves.
What Can Cause Your Driver’s License to Be Suspended?
There are many reasons the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) can suspend your license, and each presents a different challenge. Whether your driver’s license was suspended because of unpaid fines, missed court appearances, or a more serious infraction like driving under the influence (DUI), understanding the reasons behind a license suspension is a crucial first step.
In the State of Florida, driver’s license suspensions and revocations can occur because of:
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- Outstanding fines
- Failure to appear in court
- Unpaid child support
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Vehicular homicide
- Lack of ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
- An accumulation of too many points from traffic infractions
No matter what resulted in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, suspended license Attorney Brian Gabriel can help. He may determine the underlying reasons for the suspension or revocation and assess whether the cause was lawful and how he can protect your interests. Your driving privilege is a valuable asset, and protecting it is worth the effort.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Under Florida law, every individual convicted of a DUI will have their license suspended for a period of time. For a first-time offender, that period is routinely six months. For multiple-time offenders, the suspension can range anywhere from five years to a lifetime, depending on how many prior DUI convictions an individual has.
Common Penalties for a DWLS Conviction
A suspended license with knowledge charge is a misdemeanor offense which may result in:
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- Up to one year of incarceration in jail
- Fines of up to $1,000
- A period of probation
- An extension of your license suspension
Designation as a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) can also result in a suspended license. Violators of the Habitual Traffic Offender law are penalized severely in Palm Beach County courts and can be arrested and charged with a third-degree felony. Third-degree felonies are punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. A conviction for a charge of this magnitude would also result in lifelong status as a convicted felon, affecting the ability to secure housing, jobs, and even the right to own a firearm.
Do You Need a Suspended License Lawyer to Fight a DWLS Charge?
Although it is not necessary to work with an attorney to fight a driving while license suspended charge, it is not uncommon for people to seek legal help in these situations. The DHSMV frequently suspends licenses for numerous reasons, many of which have nothing to do with the driver’s ability behind the wheel. Once you are caught driving with a suspended license, you risk losing your license for a much longer period of time.
If you continue to drive with a suspended license, you could ultimately face serious felony charges that cannot be removed from your criminal record. If you currently face charges of driving with a suspended license with or without knowledge, hiring a suspended license lawyer can bring you peace of mind and help you protect your driving privilege.
Working with a suspended license lawyer is always worth the investment when you consider how much you have to lose, including your ability to work, care for your family, and maintain daily responsibilities in Jupiter and Palm Beach County.
Risks of Facing DWLS Charges Without a Lawyer
Although DWLS is an offense for which judges rarely impose a jail sentence on a first offense, you might have an unsettling experience being booked into jail while awaiting your first appearance. You might be unsure about posting bail or having a family member or friend do so on your behalf. A person without experience navigating the legal system will almost undoubtedly make decisions that end up hurting the outcome of the case.
In some cases, people have appeared in court and paid fines without realizing they were convicted of the offense. A conviction for DWLS can occur without receiving a jail sentence, and it cannot be expunged. Upon a conviction, you are left with a permanent criminal record that might prevent you from having future criminal charges sealed or expunged. The course of action that provides the greatest protection is to work with an attorney who can attempt to have your charge dismissed or reduced to a simple traffic infraction, eliminating your criminal charge and keeping your driving record clean.
Defend Driving-Related Offenses with a Former Prosecutor in Palm Beach County
With over three decades of experience, Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel has successfully helped an abundance of drivers in Palm Beach County and throughout South Florida reduce or dismiss their DWLS charges. Mr. Gabriel started his career as a former prosecutor at the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, so he has a deep understanding of both sides of the courtroom, as well as the complexities surrounding driving-related offenses.
Start with a free consultation today by calling Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel of The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel at (561) 622-5575. You can also complete an online contact form to learn more.
