Dealing With the Habitual Traffic Offender Designation
Under Florida Law, people are labeled as habitual traffic offenders after three convictions for specified motor vehicle offenses within a 5-year period. Convictions for offenses like DUI, involuntary manslaughter, leaving an accident scene, reckless driving (including speeding tickets issued for driving substantially over the posted limit) or driving with a suspended or revoked license can expose you to the risk of habitual traffic offender (HTO) status.
By itself, it's not a crime to be a habitual traffic offender. There are at least two serious consequences of this designation, however. First, you'll be notified that your license could be suspended for 5 years. Additionally, you run the risk of felony charges for certain motor vehicle offenses committed while you're on habitual traffic offender status. You can also face a lifetime license suspension, which could seriously hamper your educational, housing and career opportunities.
Get a Lawyer's Advice Before Pleading Guilty to a Traffic Offense
Contact the Clearwater law firm of Joseph Montrone, Jr., P.A., to learn about your legal options for avoiding habitual traffic offender status on a current motor vehicle offense or for help resolving new traffic violations while you're under HTO designation. The most effective approach will very much depend on your prior driving record, the facts of the current situation, and your long-range objectives for recovering your driving privilege.
It might be possible to convince the prosecuting attorney to reduce the charges on a current violation to avoid HTO status after a guilty plea. If the current charge is DUI, my experience with drunk driving defense might help you find a way to defeat the charge or reduce it to reckless driving.
In situations where you're facing criminal charges, potential HTO designation and civil liability for accident damages related to the same incident, I can coordinate your criminal defense strategies with your civil lawsuit with a view toward minimizing your exposure to punishment.
Call 727-538-4155 for a Free Consultation in Habitual Traffic Offender Cases
For more information about my experience with the defense of habitual traffic offender status-related claims, contact my office in Clearwater — the law firm of Joseph Montrone, Jr., P.A.
