LICENSE SUSPENSION: DMV, HTO AND DUI

A driver’s license suspension is one of the most inconvenient things that can happen to someone. Even when you live near public transportation, few things are more reliable for getting around than driving yourself. The unfortunate part of a suspended driver’s license is that it’s always punitive. Whether you’ve been convicted of a DUI, had several driving infractions, or just forgot to pay your insurance, the punishment tends to hit you where it hurts most – your wallet. Getting driving privileges back may not be easy, but it depends on the reason it was revoked in the first place. We will look at the three main culprits of a license suspension and what you need to do to get it back.

DMV License Suspension (not DUI related)

The DMV suspension typically happens as a result of several violations. There could be an accumulation of traffic violations that led to having a certain number of points on your license, causing your license to be suspended. 

To understand the point system, the most important thing is that the more points you have, the worse the consequences will be. In Florida, the point system and consequences are as follows:

  • 12 points within 12 months = 30-day suspension
  • 18 points within 18 months = Three-month suspension
  • 24 points within 36 Months = One-year suspension

NEVER JUST PAY A TICKET! CALL MALCOLM ANTHONY AT 904-285-4529.

Every undisputed (paid) violation will add points to your record. (For example, getting a ticket for “failure to yield to a pedestrian” or running a red light can add 3 and 4 points to your license, respectively). In other words, simply paying a traffic ticket is an admission you committed the offense and will result in points! We recommend DO NOT PAY – Call us – We can assess the license status and if necessary set a court date to try to avoid points.

Points suspensions are not the only type of suspensions. Your license can be suspended are if you do not maintain car insurance, or are found medically unfit to drive.

Habitual Traffic Offender – HTO Suspensions

NEVER JUST PAY TICKETS! CALL MALCOLM ANTHONY AT 904-285-4529.

Many times a client pays a bunch of old traffic tickets and gets a shiny new license only to get a letter from DMV a few weeks later suspending their driving privilege for FIVE YEARS! No kidding. If you have some tickets and are considering just paying them, DON”T!  Call us – We will review the record to make sure you are not causing more of a problem. HTO is usually triggered when one gets three strikes by paying a DWLSR (Driving While License Suspended) citation when there are two previous DWLSR or DUI convictions. 

Malcolm can undo the five year suspensions but it is better never to get there!

NEVER JUST PAY A Driving On Suspended License Ticket! CALL MALCOLM ANTHONY AT 904-285-4529.

DUI Related License Suspensions

There are two suspensions related to DUI cases. First, there is the DMV suspension for either refusing a breath test (one year suspension) or taking the breath test and blowing over a .08 (six month suspension). Secondly, there is a six month DUI “conviction” suspension that occurs as a result of being convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. That suspension begins on the date of conviction. The court will suspend the license but DMV still manages the suspension periods. The more times you are convicted, the greater the penalties, up to the permanent revocation of your license, which means that you will never be able to drive again legally.

Malcolm Anthony has successfully handled hundreds of DUI cases and trials. If you get arrested for DUI, call Malcolm Anthony, P.A. immediately. Time is of the essence.

How to Get Your License Back

Easy Answer: Call Malcolm Anthony at 904-285-4529. We routinely restore licenses for people with suspensions.

The method of reinstating your driving privileges depends on the severity and reason behind the initial suspension. For example, if you had your license suspended due to traffic violations, you may be required to attend Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) classes or we may be able to reverse some points and get your license back.

If you get a five year Habitual Traffic Offender suspension letter from DMV, call immediately. Most of them can be reversed and Malcolm Anthony can usually get your driving privilege restored.

Avoiding the process altogether will always be the preferred solution. At the firm of Malcolm Anthony, P.A. we believe in an aggressive and effective approach to criminal defense. If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI or DWI, and are in need of legal assistance, call our office at 904-285-4LAW (4529) for a free consultation today.