If you are accused of driving without a valid driver’s license, you may be concerned and frightened. Sometimes, people are charged with this offense without even realizing their license had expired, that they did not have it on their person at the time, or that their license was the wrong kind for operating the type of vehicle they were driving when pulled over.
With the legal representation of a Boca Raton unlicensed driver defense attorney, you could assess various legal options that may help build a credible argument to refute the charge, which most often results in a Dismissal of your charges. Contact Leifert & Leifert for a free consultation in which you could discuss your case with a capable traffic defense lawyer.
The Offense of Driving Without a Valid License
According to Florida Statutes §322.03, a driver can be criminally charged for driving without a valid driver’s license if that driver never obtained a Florida’s driver’s license or has a Florida license that is expired. The following individuals are most commonly charged with this offense:
- Those who have never been granted a driver’s license
- Those with a driver’s license that has been expired for six months or more
- Those without a motorcycle license driving a motorcycle
- Those with only a learner’s license—but lacking a full driver’s license—that were driving a car
- Those with suspended, revoked, or canceled licenses
However, there are exceptional circumstances that may allow people to operate motor vehicles without a valid driver’s license, ranging from the individual operating farm machinery to their being authorized to drive a golf cart. Experienced Boca Raton unlicensed driver defense attorneys know the Florida state statutes that could allow for such exemptions and could help a person accused of such violations see if any apply to their case.
Consequences for Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License
When an individual is accused of driving without a valid driver’s license, they may be charged with a Second-Degree Misdemeanor. If convicted, that person could face up to 60 days’ imprisonment and fines of up to $500 in value. However, if the unlicensed driver charge is the first offense for the individual, they may have a lower risk of incurring a term of incarceration.
Some individuals charged with driving without a driver’s license could be eligible for a pre-trial diversion program that entails paying for the program and completing it. Completing such a program may substantially help a person’s case. Down the road, an individual who completed the pre-trial diversion program could potentially have the arrest expunged from their records entirely.
If the charge in question is the Defendant’s second driving without a license offense, they could be charged with “driving while license suspended or revoked with knowledge,” which is similarly charged as a Second-Degree Misdemeanor. However, upon a Defendant’s third driving without a valid license offense, they will be charged with either a First-Degree Misdemeanor or a Third-Degree Felony, the latter of which carries fines of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to five years and a possible Driver’s license revocation of up to five years.
An unlicensed driver defense lawyer in Boca Raton could review the incident and research different options which could mitigate potential penalties. Before proceeding to Court, speak with an attorney who could analyze the case.
Talking to a Boca Raton Unlicensed Driver Defense Attorney
There are a variety of misunderstandings that could lead to someone accidentally driving without a valid license. However, there are also several exemptions that could allow a person to legally drive without one. Understanding the exemptions and to whom they may apply could strongly help you if you are charged with driving a motor vehicle without a license.
A consultation with a Boca Raton unlicensed driving lawyer could help shed light on the incident and provide a deeper understanding of the rules of the roadway. Contact an experienced attorney at the Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert to start exploring the intricacies of your case and the best strategy for your defense.
