Driving Without a License in Miami: Severe Penalties and How to Handle Them

Driving without a license in Miami can result in penalties that may include fines or even jail time. Consult with defense attorneys if you find yourself facing charges and wish to discuss your options.

Motorists who lose the right to drive and can’t afford to miss work or don’t want to give up these privileges may continue driving without a license. While it may allow them to maintain normalcy for the time being, it could cause additional problems when caught.

Reasons for Driving Without a License

The following are some of the reasons that drivers lose their license: 

  • failure to appear on a traffic summons;
  • unpaid tickets;
  • failure to complete court-ordered traffic school;
  • minor missing school;
  • inadequate vision;
  • found incapable of operating a motor vehicle safely;
  • violation that resulted in serious bodily injury or death;
  • habitual traffic offender;
  • obtaining a license fraudulently;
  • delinquent child support; and
  • failure to reinstate.

While the reasons may vary, there could be options available to reinstate a license, so seek legal counsel if your license has been suspended and you wish to explore your options for reinstatement. If you end up injured, you should invest in Saint John lawyers specializing in injury law.

You can check your driving record at the Department of Motor Vehicles in your area. Your driving record report will advise you if your driver’s license is currently valid or whether it’s suspended or revoked. The record will also show points against your license and, in some cases, any accidents you have had.

Penalties for Driving Without a License 

A first conviction of driving with a suspended or revoked license will result in a second-degree misdemeanor. This may be punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. A second conviction may result in a first-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail.

A third conviction could result in a third-degree felony, which is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and up to five years in jail. Meanwhile, a conviction of driving with a license that is permanently revoked could also result in a third-degree felony.

Working with an attorney is helpful in exploring your options for reducing the charges or lowering the penalties.

Reinstatement of License 

Ask your attorney about reinstatement of your driver license, too. It may be as simple as paying an unpaid ticket, or completing a court-ordered traffic school. You will need to present proof that you satisfied your traffic summons and pay a reinstatement fee. This may be done in a Florida DMV office.

If your license was suspended or revoked because of problems with your vision, you will likely have to complete an eye exam and the results may need to be reviewed by a Medical Board. Suspension for being incapable of operating the vehicle will require taking the exams again, but you may need to wait a year to retake them.

You may be entitled to seek a hardship license in certain cases if you need a vehicle to get to work or school. This may be the case if you are a habitual traffic offender or if you cited for a violation that leads to an accident involving serious injury or fatality. You will need to submit certain documentation such as proof of completion of certain traffic programs. Violation of the terms of the hardship license may lead to additional charges and suspension.

Consult a Defense Attorney at the Falk & Ross Law Firm

Individuals who are caught driving while unlicensed in Miami can face serious penalties such as fines or even jail time. Work with a defense attorney to explore legal options to potentially reduce charges or lower penalties. Contact a defense lawyer at Falk & Ross Law Firm. We can explain your rights if you were caught driving without a license 305) 741-6997.