Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) Revocations Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL Defending Motorists Accused of Repeat Driving Under Suspension Violations in Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and Throughout South Florida
While first-time offenders may receive leniency, the law tends to punish multiple violations much more harshly. In Florida, repeat charges for driving without a valid license or driving on a suspended or revoked license could lead to designation as a habitual traffic offender (HTO) and potentially expose you to mandatory sentences that include jail time. With this potential consequence looming over you, facing this legal issue alone could be a major mistake. You need a West Palm Beach habitual traffic offenders lawyer who’s prepared to explore all options and aggressively defend you.
At Brandon Dinetz Law, PLLC, I personally help clients fight HTO designations and avoid unfairly harsh mandatory sentences. Contact me today to get the legal help you need, beginning with an initial consultation.
Fighting Habitual Traffic Offender Designations in West Palm Beach, FL
Habitual traffic offender isn’t an informal expression but rather a formal designation entrenched in state law. Section 322.264 of Florida Statutes defines offenders with the HTO designation as those who, according to their driving records, have accumulated a specified number of convictions for specified traffic offenses within five years.
Having on your record three or more convictions of offenses from the following list arising out of separate incidents can designate you as a habitual traffic offender:
- Driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license
- Driving a commercial vehicle with disqualified commercial driving privileges
- Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle
- Failing to stop and render aid when involved in a motor vehicle accident that causes injury or death
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, chemical substances, or controlled substances, as a violation of Florida Statute Section 316.193, former statutes against drunk driving, and driving under the influence laws in other states
- A felony offense of any kind in which a motor vehicle was used in the commission of the crime
These serious traffic infractions aren’t the only violations that could result in the designation of a habitual offender. Florida law also allows this designation to be applied to offenders who have received 15 convictions for moving traffic violations that, under Section 322.27, can result in points on a driver’s license.
Fighting this designation, especially without skilled legal assistance, is an uphill battle. Having a habitual traffic offender (HTO) revocations attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, on your side provides the advantages that can help you pursue the most positive outcome possible.
Penalties for Habitual Traffic Offenders in Florida
What makes the HTO designation such a big deal? Being classified as a habitual traffic offender carries heavy penalties in Florida. Not only could you lose your driving privileges for several years, but in certain situations, a person who is designated as a habitual traffic offender can be subjected to mandatory jail sentences.
Simply accumulating a number and type of convictions sufficient to be designated as a habitual traffic offender can result in long-term loss of licensure. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will revoke the license of habitual offenders.
If you are accused of subsequently driving with a revoked license after you have been designated as a habitual traffic offender, you could be facing jail time. A conviction for driving without a valid license as a first offense may result in penalties as light as a fine, although jail time is a potential outcome. With multiple offenses, the consequences get much more severe and may even include mandatory jail time. A second offense, charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, could carry a potential sentence of up to one year in jail. A third or subsequent conviction of this offense carries a 10-day mandatory jail sentence but could send you to prison for considerably longer.
With stakes this high, you need trusted legal representation from a West Palm Beach habitual traffic offenders lawyer.
How Brandon Dinetz Law, PLLC Can Help
When facing the potential consequences of an HTO designation or a subsequent violation as a habitual traffic offender, your future depends on the quality of legal help you have on your side. For a habitual traffic offender (HTO) revocations attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, that you can count on, choose Brandon Dinetz Law, PLLC.
Because the five-year license suspension penalty is mandatory under state law, your only option to avoid this outcome is to prove that the designation does not apply to you in an administrative hearing. As an experienced West Palm Beach habitual traffic offenders lawyer, Brandon Dinetz Law, PLLC can help. I can assist you in exploring all options, requesting an administrative hearing, and challenging the HTO designation.
If avoiding the mandatory license suspension isn’t a feasible outcome in your circumstances, I can help you explore other avenues that may be available to you. For example, it may be possible to petition for a hardship license that would enable you to drive for employment purposes, potentially minimizing some of the harsher impacts of this loss of driving privileges. I can assist you with the process of seeking a hardship license.
Those most in need of skilled legal help when designated as habitual traffic offenders are the ones charged with a repeat offense that could trigger mandatory jail sentences. This isn’t just a traffic ticket but a real threat to your freedom. You need to take all actions under the law that could help you avoid a conviction. With my experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, I’m prepared to evaluate and investigate your case to identify all evidence that supports your defense and develop a personalized strategy for pursuing the most advantageous outcome possible.
Why Choose Brandon Dinetz Law, PLLC?
When you’re facing the severe consequences of serious traffic violations after HTO designation, you need a West Palm Beach habitual traffic offenders lawyer you can count on. You need Brandon Dinetz Law, PLLC.
A Track Record of Securing Excellent Results for Clients
I’m dedicated to getting clients the most favorable results possible when facing serious consequences for offenses of all kinds. An attorney’s past results speak to their work ethic and ability to develop and implement effective legal strategies, and I have a history of securing defendants results that benefit them.
Strong Leadership to Guide Your Approach to the Legal Process
In many cases, a person facing HTO designation or a subsequent charge doesn’t know how to move forward. You need the guidance of an established leader who knows the ins and outs of the legal process. My reputation as a leader goes back to my law school days and has only grown stronger over my years of legal practice.
Compassion for Your Challenging Legal Situation
You don’t need judgment right now. You need reliable support to put up the strongest case possible. You can count on Dinetz Law, PLLC to bring to your legal issue compassion for all that you’re going through and a commitment to help you achieve the most favorable outcome possible.
Contact a West Palm Beach Habitual Traffic Offenders Lawyer at Brandon Dinetz Law, PLLC Today to Schedule Your Initial Consultation
Despite the serious impact of HTO designation, including repeat charges that could potentially trigger mandatory jail time, there are avenues you can pursue to minimize the consequences on your life. The first step is scheduling an initial consultation with a reputable criminal defense lawyer.
For help from a habitual traffic offender (HTO) revocations attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, contact Brandon Dinetz Law, PLLC online or call 561-398-4683 today.