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Miami, FL Traffic Crimes Lawyer

Attorney Defending Against Traffic Violations in Miami

In many cases, traffic violations are civil infractions that can result in small fines. However, some traffic charges are serious criminal offenses that could lead to penalties such as jail time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. The consequences in these cases may extend far beyond fines and points on your driving record. In addition to the possibility of incarceration, you may face the loss of your driving privileges, increased insurance rates, and employment difficulties. You can work with an experienced lawyer to defend against these charges.

Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney provides comprehensive representation for people facing criminal traffic charges in Miami. Our attorney understands the traffic laws in Florida, the serious consequences of criminal convictions, and the defense strategies that may be used to challenge the charges you are facing or minimize the potential penalties. He will fight to protect your driver's license, your finances, and your freedom.

Types of Criminal Traffic Offenses Our Firm Can Help Address

  • Aggravated Speeding: If you have been charged with going more than 50 miles per hour over the speed limit or driving more than 100 miles per hour in a dangerous manner, you could face criminal charges rather than a simple speeding ticket. The penalties for a conviction may include as much as 30 days in jail for a first offense or 90 days in jail for a second or subsequent offense.
  • Reckless Driving: If you have been accused of driving a vehicle in a way that showed that you did not pay attention to how your actions could affect the safety of others, you could face criminal charges for reckless driving. Excessive speeding, weaving through traffic at high speeds, aggressive driving, or a combination of dangerous actions could lead to reckless driving charges. A first offense could lead to a sentence of up to 90 days in jail, while another offense may carry a sentence of up to six months. If you are accused of reckless driving that led to injuries or property damage, the penalties may increase substantially.
  • Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License: If you allegedly drove when you knew that you did not have a valid license, you could be charged with a criminal offense that could lead to up to 60 days in jail. Driving after your license was suspended for an offense like DUI or causing an accident that caused serious injuries is a more serious offense, and a conviction could lead to up to one year of jail time.
  • Hit and Run: Drivers are required to stop after accidents, provide information to others who were involved, and provide aid when necessary. If you allegedly left the scene of an accident without fulfilling your legal obligations, you could face misdemeanor or felony charges.
  • Fleeing and Eluding: Accusations of willfully refusing to stop for law enforcement or fleeing after initially stopping can result in serious criminal charges. This offense is usually classified as a third-degree felony that could lead to a sentence of up to five years in prison. More serious charges may apply if you are accused of reckless driving and endangering others while fleeing from police.
  • CDL Traffic Violations: If you are a commercial driver, certain traffic violations could threaten your commercial driver's license (CDL) and your career. Serious traffic violations like excessive speeding or reckless driving could result in a short-term disqualification of your CDL. Other violations, such as DUI or hit and run, may lead to a one-year disqualification for a first offense or a lifetime disqualification for a second offense. Because you may face the loss of employment when your license is disqualified, defending against traffic violations can help you protect your career.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Traffic Violations

Q

What Is the Difference Between a Traffic Ticket and a Criminal Charge?

Civil traffic infractions, which include offenses like speeding or running stop signs, may result in fines and points on your driving record, but they usually are not considered criminal offenses. Certain types of offenses can lead to criminal charges, and convictions can result in jail time and other serious penalties while leaving you with a permanent criminal record. Criminal convictions can affect your employment, your professional license, and numerous other aspects of your life.

Q

Will I Go to Jail for a Criminal Traffic Offense?

The answer depends on the specific charges you are facing, your driving history, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense. If you are facing misdemeanor charges as a first-time offender, you may be able to avoid jail time by serving a period of probation, performing community service, or achieving another resolution to your case. However, some offenses may carry mandatory minimum jail or prison sentences. Reckless driving convictions can result in jail time, especially in cases involving aggravating factors like serious injuries. Accusations of fleeing from police, hit and run, or driving after your license has been suspended for DUI will be more likely to result in jail time. Our skilled attorney can fight against criminal charges or work to negotiate favorable outcomes that will help you avoid incarceration.

Q

How Will a Criminal Traffic Conviction Affect My Insurance?

A conviction for a traffic crime may result in dramatic increases in your insurance rates that can last for years. Insurance companies view reckless driving, DUI, hit and run, and similar offenses as major indicators of risk. Large rate increases are common after criminal traffic convictions. Some insurance companies may refuse to provide coverage for drivers with certain convictions, so you could be forced to obtain a high-risk policy at substantially higher costs.

Q

Can Traffic Violations in Other States Affect My Florida Driver's License?

Yes. Other states will share information about traffic violations with officials in Florida. Convictions in other states can affect your Florida driving record. Points may be added to your driver's license, and multiple violations in Florida or other states could lead to a license suspension. DUI charges in another state will typically result in the same penalties to your license that would apply if you had been convicted of DUI in Florida.

Q

Should I Just Pay a Traffic Ticket or Hire a Lawyer?

Criminal traffic charges generally cannot be resolved simply by paying tickets. Unlike civil infractions, criminal charges require court appearances, and convictions can have serious consequences. By working with an attorney, you can determine whether you can fight against accusations of traffic crimes, negotiate reduced charges, or achieve an outcome that will reduce your penalties. Our lawyer can help defend against traffic crimes and other types of violations that could affect your license.

Q

What Happens if I Miss My Court Date for a Traffic Crime?

If you do not appear in court when required to address criminal traffic charges, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. Courts will also notify the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which will suspend your license until the case is resolved. You may face additional charges for the failure to appear. By contacting an attorney immediately, you can avoid the penalties of missing court dates, and you can take steps resolve warrants or other charges.

Contact Our Miami, Florida Traffic Crimes Attorney

Criminal traffic charges can affect multiple areas of your life. You could be facing the loss of your driver's license, large fines, jail time, and the requirement to pay restitution in some cases. You need a lawyer who can help you defend against these charges and avoid ongoing consequences. At Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney, our legal team has the knowledge and determination needed to challenge these serious accusations and help you resolve your case while protecting your rights. Contact our Miami criminal traffic charges lawyer at 305-615-1285 to schedule a free consultation.

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