Fort Myers Traffic Ticket & Traffic Offense Defense Lawyers
According to the Florida DMV, nearly 5 million traffic citations are issued each year. 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:
- Driving more than 50 miles per hour
- Drag racing
- 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)
If you’ve incurred a traffic citation, traffic law professionals suggest working with an experienced traffic law attorney. Speak with the Fort Myers traffic ticket attorneys at Patrick McLain Law for a free consultation to get answers to your criminal defense and Florida 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 a fine of up to $500, plus court costs, and three points on your driving record. If the incident results in a crash, the DMV can increase the points to four, which 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.
A reckless driving first offense counts as a misdemeanor, carrying up to a 90-day jail time and a maximum $500 fine. Subsequent offenses result in up to a six-month jail time and a maximum $1,000 fine. If minor bodily injuries or property damage are involved, the charge becomes a first-degree misdemeanor that usually results in a maximum of one year in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine. If serious bodily injuries are involved, the charge becomes a third-degree felony that can trigger a five-year prison time.
Driving Without A License In Florida
One of the most basic driving-related laws 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 up to a $10,000 fine.
Let Our Attorneys Protect Your Rights And Your License
If law enforcement officers have charged you 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.