All drivers on the road in Fort Myers, FL., are required to possess a valid driving license. If a police officer catches you driving in Fort Myers with no valid license, you may be in need of legal help.
The state of Florida has very strict laws against driving with no valid license. Many people are simply unaware of how serious the consequences can be if they are caught driving with no valid license. The Florida Statutes outline that all drivers must have a valid license if they wish to drive on the Florida highways. Licenses that have been suspended, revoked, canceled, or expired are not valid, and a driver caught driving with one of these licenses will face penalties. Licenses must also be the right type for the vehicle driven.
If you have been caught driving in Fort Myers, FL., with no valid license, you should contact The Law Place today. Our law firm has a wealth of experience helping our clients escape the worse penalties when they have been caught driving with no valid license, so you can be assured that your case will be in very capable legal hands.
Our attorney-client relationship at The Law Place is one of immense commitment. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our Fort Myers criminal defense attorneys who will be able to examine your case and give you all the legal information you may be seeking. Call us now at (941) 444-4444.
What Does No Valid Driver’s License Mean?
It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle on a Florida highway unless a driver has the correct license issued by the appropriate government authority. Florida Statute 322.03 outlines exactly what penalties can be issued for such a violation.
To “drive” means that the defendant had to have been in actual physical control or operation of a motor vehicle. A “motor vehicle” is used to define any self-propelled vehicle that is not powered or moved by human power solely. Motorized bicycles and wheelchairs are excluded and not classified as “motor vehicles.”
What the state of Florida means by a “driver’s license” is outlined in Florida Statute 322.01. It is simply a certificate that grants a person permission to drive a vehicle, assuming that they have met all other legal requirements.
If you have any further questions or are confused about what the law entails, contact The Law Place today. Our criminal defense lawyers are experienced and highly knowledgeable on the traffic laws in Florida and will be able to give you all of the information you may be looking for.
Penalties for Driving in Fort Myers Without a License
If a police officer catches you driving in Fort Myers, FL., with no valid driver’s license, you could face a second-degree misdemeanor charge. This would potentially lead to you facing a fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. Although, if you have a clean criminal record with no previous convictions, it is unlikely that you would be sentenced to jail.
It is possible that you may even be eligible for a pre-trial division program. If you can complete this program, you may be able to get your charges dropped. Once you get your charges dropped, you can begin the process of attempting to have your charges removed from your criminal record.
The best thing that you can do if you have been caught driving in Fort Myers, FL., with no valid license is to contact a reputable traffic defense lawyer. A defense lawyer at The Law Place will be able to examine your case and give you all the information you need concerning your best legal options.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day.
What Happens if you Drive Without a License and Get into an Accident in Florida?
If you drive without a license and get into an accident in Florida, you could face multiple legal consequences. Firstly, driving without a valid license is a criminal offense and can result in penalties such as fines, probation, and potentially jail time.
If you are involved in an accident, these penalties could be more severe, especially if the accident results in property damage, injuries, or fatalities. Additionally, you may be held liable for any damages resulting from the accident. If you are found to be at fault, the lack of a license could complicate insurance claims and lead to significant financial liabilities.
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Defenses to the Charge of Driving With No Valid Driver’s License in Fort Myers
Our law firm has a wealth of experience helping our clients in Fort Myers who have been caught driving with no valid license. A traffic defense lawyer at The Law Place will do all they can to ensure that their clients escape the worse penalties for their mistake. Some of the common defenses that our traffic defense lawyers use to challenge the charges held against our clients include:
- The defendant was not driving on a highway or street that was open to the public.
- The defendant was unlawfully stopped or unlawfully detained by police officers following their traffic stop.
- The defendant possessed a valid driver’s license; they just did not have it with them.
- The defendant possed a valid out-of-state or foreign license.
- The state of Florida does not have sufficient enough evidence to prove that the defendant was driving with no possession of a valid driver’s license.
You must act quickly if you have been or are facing a charge. The sooner a traffic defense lawyer can begin work on your case, the greater the chances are that you will have your charges dropped or lessened. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at The Law Place today. One of our lawyers will be able to answer all of your questions and give you the information you may be looking for.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
Exemptions to the Requirement to Possess a Driver’s License
In Fort Myers, there are some exceptions to the law that states that drivers must possess a valid driver’s license to drive on the roads in Florida. There are some classifications of people that the law does not require to possess a valid driver’s license, such as:
- Operators of farm machinery, such as tractors.
- A person who is at least the age of 16, but not a Florida resident, and possesses a non-commercial driver’s license from their own state or country and is operating a vehicle that requires a Class E license.
- A person who is at least the age of 18, but not a resident of Florida, and possesses a valid non-commercial driver’s license from their own state or country.
- Operators of golf carts.
Fort Myers Driving Without a License Lawyer, FAQ
How can Fort Myers traffic ticket lawyers assist with charges of driving without a license?
Fort Myers traffic ticket lawyers can provide legal representation, negotiate with prosecutors, and help minimize the impact of the charge on your driving record. They can also advise on steps to reinstate your license and avoid future violations.
What should I do if I need a criminal defense attorney for reckless driving in Fort Myers?
If charged with reckless driving in Fort Myers, it’s important to seek the assistance of a criminal defense attorney. They can help challenge the charges, negotiate plea deals, and represent you in court, aiming to reduce penalties or dismiss the charge.
How does driving without a license affect my driving record in Fort Myers?
Driving without a license in Fort Myers can have a negative impact on your driving record, leading to points accumulation, increased insurance premiums, and potential future license suspension.
What are the penalties for driving with a suspended license in Fort Myers?
Penalties for driving with a suspended license in Fort Myers can include fines, additional license suspension, and in some cases, jail time, especially for repeated offenses or if the suspension was due to a serious traffic offense like DUI or reckless driving.
What happens if you go to court for driving without a license in FL?
Going to court for driving without a license in Florida typically involves facing a judge to respond to the charges against you. The outcome can vary based on your driving history, the circumstances of your offense, and whether you have legal representation.
Contact an Experienced Attorney at The Law Place Today!
If you are facing charges or have been charged in Fort Myers for driving with no possession of a valid driver’s license, you may be seeking the legal guidance and representation of a reputable traffic defense lawyer.
At The Law Place, our lawyers have accumulated a wealth of experience in helping people escape the worse penalties for their traffic offenses. Therefore, you can be assured that by hiring one of our traffic defense lawyers, you will be giving yourself the best chance at getting your charge dropped or lessened.
Our traffic defense lawyers work as hard as they can to achieve the best possible outcome in every case they work on. For more information regarding how we can help you, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our traffic defense lawyers. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to listen to your call. Call us now at (941) 444-4444.
