Orlando License Suspension Lawyer

Orlando License Suspension Attorney

Driving is a daily requirement for most residents of Orlando. When your license is suspended or revoked, it can pose a significant difficulty and create professional and personal problems. If you have lost your driving privileges, an Orlando license suspension lawyer can help you through this trying time. We can work to reinstate your driving rights and advocate for your return to the road.

About Us

At Robert B. Fisher, P.A., we’ve spent years representing the people of Orlando, Longwood, and cities across Central Florida in their license suspension cases. Attorney Robert B. Fisher has over four and a half decades of legal experience handling cases ranging from first-time DUIs to murder charges in Orlando and throughout Seminole County. He is a well-respected figure in the local legal community, having served as president of the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Former Prosecutor

Call 407-389-4529 or contact the office online to schedule your initial consultation.

Initial Consultation!

Overview of License Suspension Cases in Florida

Driver’s license suspensions are a serious concern for the more than 1.1 million licensed drivers in Orange County. In 2022, 716,383 Floridians could not legally drive, or one in 24 adults of driving age. The primary grounds for license suspension were unpaid fines and fees, accounting for around 75% of cases, while only 3% were for DUIs or other dangerous driving incidents.

Administrative hearings for license suspension cases in Orlando are held at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office, located at 301 S. Rosalind Ave. in Orlando.

Grounds for License Suspension in Florida

Floridians can have their license suspended on many grounds. A few common reasons include:

• Unpaid traffic tickets and court fines. This is one of the most common reasons, accounting for three out of four suspensions in Florida. These typically last until all outstanding fees are paid.
• Failure to comply with court summons. Your license can be suspended if a driver refuses to comply with or appear at a traffic summons. These suspensions can be overturned after meeting all court requirements.
• Failure to complete driver improvement school. One common court order after a previous driving infraction is completion of a driver improvement school. Failing to enroll or complete the program may result in losing your driving privileges.
• Missing child support payments. Consistent failure to pay child support can be used as grounds to suspend your license as punishment for delinquency. These typically stay in effect until payments are made.
• Violation resulting in death or serious bodily injury. Another common ground for license suspension is a one-year revocation for non-DUI-related convictions for actions that resulted in death or serious bodily injury.
• Habitual traffic offender. A habitual traffic offender is defined as someone with fifteen moving violations or three major violations within five years. Major incidents include DUIs, vehicular manslaughter, or driving with a suspended license. Those deemed habitual traffic offenders may face a five-year revocation.
• Drug offense. Any drug-related criminal conviction can result in a one-year license suspension. After six months, you may petition for a hardship license through the Administrative Reviews Office.

Hire a License Suspension Lawyer

Navigating a license suspension on your own can be daunting, with confusing bureaucratic structures making it unclear what your options are. Hire a license suspension lawyer to help with your case. An experienced Orlando license suspension attorney can guide you through each stage of the proceedings.

A few critical services that Robert B. Fisher, P.A., can provide include:

• Review your case. How you can regain your driving privileges changes on a case-by-case basis. Our team can review your situation and explain potential pathways toward reinstatement.
• Draft documents. Disputing a suspension or applying for reinstatement requires precisely worded paperwork, with minor errors causing significant delays. Your skilled lawyer can draft all documents related to your case and avoid easy mistakes.
• Representation in court. Court appearances can be frightening, making it difficult to present your argument. Your attorney can represent you in all court appearances and advocate for you both in and out of the courtroom.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Unsuspend a License in Florida?

The cost to get your license reinstated in Florida depends on the grounds on which it was suspended. Suspensions due to unpaid parking tickets require all outstanding debts to be paid, plus an additional $45 fee. Loss of driving privileges related to drug or alcohol-related incidents may be subject to a $130 administrative fee, in addition to other expenses.

Can You Contest a License Suspension in Florida?

In Florida, you may contest a license suspension upon notice, but you must act quickly. The deadline for requesting a formal or informal hearing varies depending on the reason for the suspension. In DUI cases, you have 10 days, whereas in most other instances, you have 30 days to respond. Suspensions based on unpaid fees or child support generally have fewer options for contesting, and can only be resolved by paying outstanding debts.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Have Your License Restored in Florida?

Florida state law does not legally require you to have a lawyer to get your license reinstated. However, skilled legal counsel can be a worthwhile investment. An experienced attorney can review your case and build a strong argument as to why you should regain your driving privileges. This can make the process much smoother and quicker than what you’d be able to achieve on your own.

What Is the Penalty for Driving With a Suspended License in Florida?

The penalty for driving with a suspended license in Florida varies based on the suspension reason and previous offenses. A first violation is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a $500 fine and 60 days imprisonment. A second offense is a first-degree misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $1,000 and one year in prison. A third or subsequent instance is a third-degree felony carrying up to five years of prison time and a $5,000 fine.

Speak With an Orlando License Suspension Attorney Today

Contact us today for a free initial consultation with an Orlando license suspension lawyer. During this meeting, we can learn your story, explain your options and potential timelines, and provide a pathway forward. You may also visit our Longwood office on Commerce Park Drive, just off exit 94 of I-4, south of the Wekiva River Buffer Conservation Area and east of Lake Brantley.