Florida Traffic Tickets Can Be More Serious Than You Think
According to the Florida DMV, nearly 5 million traffic citations are issued each year. In 2019, state law enforcement agencies wrote over 706,000 speeding tickets. Most people don’t think to hire an attorney to help them fight traffic tickets, but a ticket could lead to you losing points on your driving record, having to pay more for insurance, being sent to driving school or losing your license.
Thankfully, help is available when you contact Patrick McLain Law. Our seasoned Florida traffic ticket defense attorneys can challenge your ticket and work toward getting it dismissed.
Defense Against Nearly Any Citation Or Charge
Our criminal defense attorneys are ready to defend you against all traffic offenses, including the following:
- Speeding
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license
- Red light camera violations
- Disobeying a stop sign or traffic signal
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Illegal U-turns
- Illegal lane changes
- Drunk driving (DUI) and/or driving with an open container
- Careless or reckless driving
- Racing on the highway
- Leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run)
Speeding is the most common traffic citation but not the only one. If you’ve incurred a traffic citation, traffic law professionals suggest working with an experienced traffic law attorney. Speak with the Fort Myers, Florida, traffic ticket attorneys at Patrick McLain Law for a free consultation to get answers to your criminal defense and traffic ticket questions.
Careless Driving Offenses In Fort Myers
Florida statute 316.1925 outlines drivers’ legal responsibility to drive safely. Anything could be considered a careless driving citation because it’s an umbrella term for any behaviors considered careless while behind the wheel.
Careless driving is considered a moving violation. It also carries a penalty of 4-points on your driving record and a fine of up to $500 with court costs. Those points can affect your insurance premiums.
Reckless Driving Charges
Operating your vehicle in a way that shows disregard or negligence for the safety of others can lead to a reckless driving citation. The circumstances of your case will determine if your reckless driving charge is considered a misdemeanor or felony.
Second-degree reckless driving charges carry a max $1,000 fine and a six-month jail sentence; first-degree charges are one year in jail or one year of probation and a maximum fine of $1,000. A felony reckless driving adjudication could result in a maximum of five years imprisonment or probation and a fine of up to $5,000.
Driving Without A License In Florida
One of the most basic driving-related law in any state is that you must have a valid license to drive. Drivers with suspended licenses or those who have never had a license can face serious consequences for driving.
A first or second offense is a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $500 and up to 60 days in jail. A third offense is a felony, subject to a maximum fine of $5,000 and a maximum prison term of five years.
Leaving The Scene Of An Accident Is A Crime
If drivers are involved in a motor vehicle accident, they must stay with their vehicle at the scene of the accident until law enforcement arrives. This is especially true when the accident involves an injury, property damage or death. Failing to do so can result in misdemeanor or felony charges of leaving the scene of an accident, also known as a hit and run.
If the driver leaves the scene of an accident that only involves property damage, misdemeanor charges can be filed. However, hit-and-run accidents that cause injuries can be charged as a third-degree felony. Fatal hit-and-run accidents can be charged as a first-degree felony and are punishable by a maximum 30-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000.
Let Our Attorneys Protect Your Rights And Your License
If you have been charged with any traffic offense in the Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Naples area, our experienced attorneys at Patrick McLain Law are ready to help you. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today by calling 239-737-3735 or by submitting an online contact form.