civil vs. criminal traffic violations in florida
The Difference Will Determine What Types of Penalties You Face
What is the difference between a civil traffic violation and a criminal traffic violation in Florida? The answer will help you determine the type of penalties you may face, and whether you need a lawyer to defend your rights.
Civil traffic violations in Florida
In Florida, civil traffic offenses typically are not criminal in nature. These types of offenses include items such as:
Typically, a civil traffic offense means you will receive either a ticket or citation (they’re the same thing). You will need to sign the citation and pay a fine. You also may receive points against your driver’s license, but you may be able to attend traffic school to reduce the number of points you receive. If you don’t pay the fine within 30 days – or if you don’t appear in traffic school – you could have a suspended license. Most civil traffic violations are handled by the violator, either by paying the fine or with an informal hearing that doesn’t involve an attorney. However, if you seek a formal hearing for a civil traffic offense in Florida, you may hire an attorney to represent you.
Criminal traffic violations in Florida
If you are charged with a criminal traffic violation, you will be required to appear in court. It’s wise to seek legal representation in such an instance.
Criminal traffic offenses may include:
Criminal traffic violations can result in serious punishment. While many such violations are misdemeanors, you could face felony charges if a DUI resulted in death, or if you’re considered a habitual traffic offender (HTO) as per Florida law. You will be arrested if you fail to appear in court. And if convicted, you could face fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment and even jail time.
To fight a criminal traffic charge, you need attorneys who will stand up to prosecutors and fight for your freedom. The attorneys at the Filler & Hedum Law Firm in Longwood, Seminole County, will go above and beyond to help you during this challenging time. They’ll answer your questions and will support you throughout the litigation process.
What is the difference between a civil traffic violation and a criminal traffic violation in Florida? The answer will help you determine the type of penalties you may face, and whether you need a lawyer to defend your rights.
Civil traffic violations in Florida
In Florida, civil traffic offenses typically are not criminal in nature. These types of offenses include items such as:
- Speeding
- Failure to wear a seat belt
- Driving with an expired registration
- Driver with an expired driver’s license (less than six months)
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Illegal parking
Typically, a civil traffic offense means you will receive either a ticket or citation (they’re the same thing). You will need to sign the citation and pay a fine. You also may receive points against your driver’s license, but you may be able to attend traffic school to reduce the number of points you receive. If you don’t pay the fine within 30 days – or if you don’t appear in traffic school – you could have a suspended license. Most civil traffic violations are handled by the violator, either by paying the fine or with an informal hearing that doesn’t involve an attorney. However, if you seek a formal hearing for a civil traffic offense in Florida, you may hire an attorney to represent you.
Criminal traffic violations in Florida
If you are charged with a criminal traffic violation, you will be required to appear in court. It’s wise to seek legal representation in such an instance.
Criminal traffic offenses may include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI)
- Hit and run
- Reckless driving
- Knowingly driving without a valid license
- Vehicular homicide
- Vehicular manslaughter
- Attempting to elude law enforcement
Criminal traffic violations can result in serious punishment. While many such violations are misdemeanors, you could face felony charges if a DUI resulted in death, or if you’re considered a habitual traffic offender (HTO) as per Florida law. You will be arrested if you fail to appear in court. And if convicted, you could face fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment and even jail time.
To fight a criminal traffic charge, you need attorneys who will stand up to prosecutors and fight for your freedom. The attorneys at the Filler & Hedum Law Firm in Longwood, Seminole County, will go above and beyond to help you during this challenging time. They’ll answer your questions and will support you throughout the litigation process.
Free Consultation and Criminal Law Case Review
To learn more about your legal rights in a criminal traffic case, call Filler & Hedum Law today for a free consultation. We’ll sit with you, answer all of your questions, outline a specific plan of attack that we will use for your defense, and fully explain all costs and fees associated with your defense. It is your life. There are no games, no secrets, no surprises with Filler & Hedum Law – just complete truth, commitment and legal expertise.
Filler & Hedum---There When You Need 'Em 407-772-0700.
Filler & Hedum---There When You Need 'Em 407-772-0700.
