St. Petersburg Traffic Offenses Attorney Helps Motorists Fight Citations

Pinellas County firm defends clients accused of traffic violations

Police constantly patrol the busy streets and highways throughout the Tampa Bay area, and drivers sometimes find themselves getting pulled over even when they don’t believe they’ve done anything wrong. At Joseph Montrone, Jr., P.A. in St. Petersburg, I represent clients accused on all types of traffic offenses, from common speeding tickets to serious felonies, such as vehicular homicide. Rather than try to represent yourself, let a former prosecutor argue on your behalf. I have a strong track record of achieving positive results, including dismissals, acquittals and favorable plea agreements. No matter the circumstances in your case, my firm is prepared to fight for your best possible outcome.

Common types of traffic offenses in the St. Petersburg area

The Tampa Bay metropolitan area is the 18th largest in the United States, so traffic is a daily concern. Heavy volume on the road sometimes leads to tickets alleging the following moving violations:

• Speeding
• Running a red signal or a stop sign
• Failure to yield the right of way

Young drivers are more prone to violations and accidents than experienced motorists, and are also more likely to engage in unlawful street racing. But anyone is subject to getting a ticket and facing serious penalties for offenses such as driving with a suspended license or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Some driving offenses are classified as felonies and misdemeanors, including: repeat DUI; DUI leading to an accident that damages property or injures a person; leaving the scene of an accident causing injury; vehicular manslaughter and vehicular homicide.

Even minor traffic offenses can cost more than you realize

Non-criminal traffic violations can also be costly, with potential penalties such as:

• Fines
• License penalty points, which could trigger a license suspension
• Increased insurance premiums, which could amount to thousands of dollars over several years

If you’re a commercial driver, or you need your car to get to work or school, any infraction that puts your license in jeopardy is worth fighting.

Felony and misdemeanor traffic offenses in Florida

As an experienced Florida criminal defense attorney, I can assist if you’ve been accused of one of the following crimes:

• Reckless driving — A first offense without injury or property damage is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by 90 days to six months in jail and a $500 fine.
• Reckless driving with property damage or injury — A first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
• Reckless driving with serious bodily injury — A third-degree felony, which can draw a five-year prison sentence and a $5,000 fine.
• Hit and run with property damage only — A second-degree misdemeanor that carries a sentence of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
• Hit and run with injuries — A second or third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, and a maximum $5,000 fine, and a license revocation for at least three years.
• Hit and run with fatalities — A first-degree felony, carrying a mandatory minimum prison sentence of four years and a maximum of 30 years and a $10,000 fine. The driver’s license is revoked for at least three years.
• DUI manslaughter — A second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.00.
• Fleeing and eluding – A third, second, or first degree felony punishable up to 30 years in prison depending on the facts with a mandatory conviction and mandatory license revocation from one to five-years.

These are just a few of the most serious Florida traffic offenses. But whatever the charges against you, I provide a vigorous defense that challenges the evidence brought against you by the prosecution.

Contact an experienced Florida trial lawyer for traffic infraction defense

Joseph Montrone, Jr., P.A. defends clients charged with traffic violations throughout the Tampa Bay area. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact me online or call my St. Petersburg office at 727-888-0102.