What happens if you get caught driving without a license

If you have been charged with the criminal offense of “no valid” driver’s license under Florida Statute Section 322.03, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney with Sammis Law Firm in Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL.

Our criminal defense attorneys focus on criminal traffic cases in the greater Tampa Bay area.

Even if you just received a citation or a “notice to appear” you should be aware that you were actually arrested and released at the scene on a criminal charge. Even a first offense for driving with “no valid driver’s license” is a second degree misdemeanor which is punishable by 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Especially for individuals with no prior record, it is important to retain a criminal defense attorney to protect you and help you fight for the best possible results. Numerous defenses exist to this charge.

Attorney for a No Driver’s License Charges in Tampa, FL

If you have been charged with driving with no valid license or driving with no valid commercial license, then contact an attorney at the Sammis Law Firm to discuss your case. Call (813) 250-0500 today.

Our attorneys represent individuals charged with “no valid” driver’s license in Plant City and Tampa for Hillsborough County, St. Petersburg and Clearwater for Pinellas County, Bartow for Polk County, New Port Richey and Dade City for Pasco County, or Brooksville for Hernando County, FL.

We can help you protect your criminal record, driving record and begin your defense today.

Call us to discuss your best defense and strategies to fight your charges today.

Call 813-250-0500.

“No Valid Driver’s License” under Section 322.03

Driving without a valid license is often charged under Florida Statute Section 322.03 especially in cases in which the driver has never obtained a Florida driver’s license. The offense is a second-degree misdemeanor which is punishable by 6 months in jail and/or a five hundred dollar fine.

The next time the driver is caught driving without a license the offense is usually charged as “driving while license suspended or revoked” with knowledge (DWLSR) with is also a second-degree misdemeanor. The next offense can be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor.

Three charges of DWLSR within a five year period will result in a five-year revocation of your driver’s license as a habitual traffic offender. For this reason, many charges of DWLSR are negotiated down to “no valid” charges so that it does not trigger a HTO revocation.

No Valid Driver’s License Does Not Cause a Strike for HTO Purposes

Under a weird quirk in Florida law, a civil citation for driving on a suspended driver’s license without knowledge (a civil infraction) or with knowledge (a criminal charge) will both count as a strike against you for purposes of becoming a habitual traffic offender. On the other hand, the criminal charge of No Valid Driver’s License does not count towards one of the strikes for HTO purposes.

For this reason, it is often the goal in a driving with a suspended license suspended with a knowledge case to get the prosecutor to reduce the charge to “no valid driver license” so that driver does not become a Habitual Traffic Offender with a five-year revocation of his driving privileges.

Stop Driving Until You Obtain a Valid Florida Driver’s License

Because the penalties increase dramatically with each subsequent charge it is important not to drive until your full driving privileges have been reinstated. Hiring an attorney can often speed up the process. Our goal is to help you resolve your case for the best possible outcome.

Although the criminal offense of “no valid” driver’s license does not count as one of the serious driving offenses that can lead to a “habitual traffic offender” designation with a five-year revocation, it is nevertheless a criminal offense with criminal penalties.

This article was last updated on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

Let a Florida Defense Attorney Fight For Your Freedom - Call (954) 680-7575

A minor driving without a license may be charged with a misdemeanor for a first offense, however there are a variety of options and potential alternatives relating to penalties for minors who are caught driving without a license.

Can a minor be penalized for driving without a license?

Driving a motor vehicle without a legal drivers' license is a serious traffic violation in the state of Florida, and minors driving without a license is no exception to the rule. Moreover, vehicle owners who allow unlicensed minors use of a vehicle can also expect to face many of the same consequences of the infraction, and can even face jail time as a result. A Florida traffic ticket attorney can help you to find the approach that best suits the particulars of your case.​​​​​

There are a number of different reasons why a minor may make the decision to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle without a license. Although some of these reasons may be legitimate, the court must make a final decision based on the law alone. Of those defendants who find success, many were able to achieve minimized penalties such as attendance of traffic school in lieu of jail time with the help of a trusted legal professional.

The need for high-quality representation may be critical when a citation for a minor driving without a license has been issued because for many, the potential consequences can be devastating both for minors and the adults whose vehicles may have been illegally put into use.

How Much is a Ticket For Not Having a License

A ticket for not having a valid drivers' license can be up to $500 and a maximum of 60 days in jail. Driving without a valid license is a misdemeanor in Florida. Eligible motorists can resolve the citation by obtaining a license and paying a $25 court assessment fee.

Finding the Right Defense for Minors Driving Without a License in Florida

Golden Traffic Ticket Law has a deep understanding of Florida traffic laws as they pertain to the minors who violate them. With over 35 years of targeted combined experience, Attorney Golden and his reputable of counsel attorneys can deliver the kind of quality representation, legal advice, and guidance that is focused on getting results.

Clients who enlist the services of Golden Traffic Ticket Law can expect dedication and support in their case, which may go a long way in achieving a favorable outcome for an undeserved traffic ticket, both for minors and adults alike.

If you are a minor who has been issued a citation for driving without a license, contact a Florida traffic ticket lawyer who can help you to get the strong support you need in court. To speak to Attorney Golden in a free consultation, call (954) 680-7575.