Criminal Traffic Offenses Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, Defending Against Serious Traffic Violations in Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and Throughout South Florida
When you’ve been charged with a criminal traffic violation in South Florida, you may be facing serious consequences, including significant fines, increased insurance costs, and even jail time. You can best protect your rights and interests by talking to a West Palm Beach criminal traffic offenses lawyer before moving forward with your case. Let Attorney Brandon Dinetz help you pursue a favorable resolution to your criminal traffic charges. Contact BD Law today for an initial case evaluation to discuss your legal options.
Types of Criminal Traffic Offenses We Can Help You Resolve
At BD Law, a criminal traffic offenses attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, can help you defend yourself against the consequences of conviction for a traffic violation such as:
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving without a valid license as a habitual traffic offender
- Driving on a suspended/revoked license
- Driving on a suspended/revoked license as a habitual traffic offender
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Leaving the scene of an accident causing serious bodily injury or death
- Racing
Facing Criminal Charges? BD Law Can Help.
Speak With Our Top-Rated
Criminal Defense Attorney
Penalties for Criminal Traffic Violations in Florida
Traffic violations may result in various penalties for drivers, depending on the severity of the offense. Serious traffic violations can result in more than tickets and fines. These violations constitute criminal offenses under Florida law. A defendant convicted of a serious traffic offense may face the possibility of incarceration in addition to more substantial fines.
Many traffic violations also result in a driver receiving points on their driver’s license. Florida’s points system imposes a specific number of points for a traffic offense, with more serious violations receiving more points. Points remain on a driver’s record for five years following a court disposition/conviction. When a driver accumulates a specific number of points within a particular timeframe, they may receive a suspension of their driver’s license. Points suspensions under Florida’s system include:
- 12 points within 12 months: 30-day suspension
- 18 points within 18 months: Three-month suspension
- 24 points within 36 months: One-year suspension
Drivers who receive a points suspension may apply for a hardship license (which allows driving for business or employment purposes) by completing an Advanced Driver Improvement school and paying a reinstatement and other applicable fees. Florida does not allow drivers to remove points from their license by completing a driver’s school or program, including points received for a citation in another state that allows drivers to remove points by completing driver’s safety programs.
Common Defenses to Criminal Traffic Offenses
Depending on the traffic violation, you may have various defense arguments you can raise to challenge a criminal charge and reduce or avoid the consequences of a conviction. Common defenses used in traffic cases include:
- Mistaken identity: A vehicle owner may argue that they did not operate the vehicle when the offense occurred.
- Uncalibrated speeding detection devices: Drivers may contest speed-related violations by proving that the arresting officer used an uncalibrated radar/lidar gun or speedometer to determine the motorist’s speed.
- Insufficiency of evidence: In cases involving careless/reckless operation of a motor vehicle, a defendant may challenge the sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence proving the defendant’s negligence or recklessness.
- Validity of license/registration/insurance: Drivers facing violations for driving without a valid license, vehicle registration, or insurance may present evidence proving that they held a valid license/registration/insurance policy on the date of their citation or arrest
- Unlawful traffic stop: Defendants may seek to have the state’s evidence excluded from the case by showing that the arresting officer lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause to initiate a traffic stop
Contact BD Law for Help Resolving Charges of Criminal Traffic Offenses
After getting arrested for a criminal traffic violation in South Florida, an experienced traffic violation attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, can help you understand your rights and options for pursuing a favorable resolution to your case. Contact BD Law today for a confidential consultation with experienced attorney Brandon Dinetz to obtain the advice and advocacy you need.