Clearwater Habitual Traffic Offender Lawyer
Fighting to Restore Your Driving Privileges in Pinellas County
If you have been designated as a habitual traffic offender (HTO) in Florida, you face serious consequences, including a five-year period of driver’s license suspension or revocation. Without a valid driver’s license, everyday tasks like commuting to work or taking care of a family member can become nearly impossible. If you have received an HTO notice, it is critical to speak with a Clearwater habitual traffic offender lawyer who can help you challenge the designation and explore options for license reinstatement.
At Hersem Law, our Clearwater criminal defense lawyer has extensive experience handling habitual traffic cases. Whether you need to remove your habitual traffic offender designation, obtain a hardship license, or fight an unjust criminal charge, we are here to help.
What Is a Habitual Traffic Offender in Florida?
Under Florida law, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) classifies individuals as habitual traffic offenders if they accumulate:
- Three or more convictions for serious traffic offenses within a five-year period, including felony driving, driving while license suspended, or DUI
- 15 or more moving violations that result in points on a Florida driving record
Once designated as a habitual traffic offender, your driver’s license is automatically suspended for five years. You may be eligible for a hardship license after one year, but only under certain circumstances.
Consequences of a Habitual Traffic Offender Designation
If you have been classified as a habitual traffic offender, you may face:
- A five-year driver’s license suspension
- Criminal charges if caught driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Increased penalties for future traffic offenses
- Higher insurance rates or cancellation by your insurance company
Driving with a suspended license as an HTO can lead to a third-degree felony offense, punishable by up to five years in prison.
How to Fight a Habitual Traffic Offender Designation
An experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge your habitual traffic offender designation by:
- Reviewing your driving record for errors
- Seeking to remove or amend certain underlying convictions
- Fighting pending traffic offenses before they contribute to an HTO revocation
- Assisting with obtaining a hardship license for business or work-related driving privileges
If your habitual traffic offender designation was based on civil infractions or prior conviction errors, a skilled lawyer may be able to have it overturned in traffic court.
Hardship License Eligibility for Habitual Traffic Offenders
In some cases, habitual traffic offenders can apply for a hardship license through the Florida DHSMV after serving one year of suspension. To qualify, you must:
- Complete a driver improvement course
- Show that you need a license for business purposes
- Demonstrate compliance with all court orders related to past traffic offenses
A hardship license allows limited driving privileges, helping you avoid additional charges for driving while license suspended.
Why You Need a Clearwater Suspended License Attorney
Navigating the legal system to restore your driving privileges can be complicated, but a skilled lawyer can make the process easier. Our law firm provides:
- Legal representation in license suspension cases
- Assistance with HTO revocation appeals
- Defense against driving offenses and traffic citations
- Help with hardship license applications
Our goal is to protect your driving rights and work toward a favorable outcome in your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you are facing a habitual traffic offender designation in Pinellas County, don’t wait to take action. Call Hersem Law at 813-251-7291 (Tampa) or 727-384-4357 (Clearwater) to schedule a free consultation. You can also reach us through our contact page. Let us help you restore your driving privileges and move forward.
FAQs About Habitual Traffic Offender Cases in Clearwater
1. Can I remove a habitual traffic offender designation in Florida?
Yes. A criminal defense lawyer can review your driving record and challenge the habitual traffic offender designation by seeking to remove certain underlying convictions.
2. What happens if I am caught driving while my license is suspended as an HTO?
Driving with a suspended or revoked license as a habitual traffic offender is a third-degree felony, which can lead to jail time and fines.
3. How can I check if I have been designated as a habitual traffic offender?
You can check your Florida driving record through the Florida DHSMV or speak with a suspended license lawyer for assistance.
4. What is the maximum penalty for habitual traffic offender violations?
The maximum penalty for a felony habitual traffic offense is up to five years in prison.
5. Can a habitual traffic offender get a hardship license?
Yes, under certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a hardship license after serving one year of your suspension. A lawyer can help with the application process.
