Everyone knows that a driver driving without a valid driver’s license will get him in trouble. Most people think this offense would not affect them because of the seemingly insignificant charge. They instantly regret not getting a lawyer when the judge hands out the judgment.
Remember that any legal charge against you can significantly affect your life. A person charged with this crime might face expensive fines, jail time, and even a driving record that you have committed a crime. Fortunately, our Jacksonville No Valid Driver’s License Lawyer is willing to give you a helping hand providing you with the best result possible for your case. Contact an attorney through our website and get a consultation.
Jacksonville No Valid Driver's License Lawyer Fighting for Youu and Keeping Your Record Clean
A no license charge is a relatively small charge most of the time but could have significant effects. Attorneys know how difficult life could be, especially if your future involves any kind of background checks for criminal offenses. A minor criminal charge like no license or a DUI could derail your plans if you didn’t find good criminal defense attorneys to help you with your case.
Our lawyers at the Leon Law Firm have impressive combined experience in Traffic Law and can help you get the best possible outcomes for your case. Being charged with driving without a valid driver’s license doesn’t have to be scary. All you need are the right legal advocates on your side to help you.
What is no valid Driver's License?
No Valid Driver’s License is a crime under Florida Statute 322.03. To put the law simply, it penalizes drivers who drive without a license. This crime is a moving violation, which means there is a violation while the car they are operating is in motion.
Attorneys know two instances prohibiting a person from driving in FL: those who don’t have a license and those with expired licenses. An expired license is viewed the same as not having it at all under the law.
It is also important to note that the law also penalizes a driver driving without a valid license unless they have documentation allowing them to operate such a motor vehicle.
When you get caught without driving documentation in Jacksonville, Florida, you should immediately call a lawyer you trust. It might seem like an easy offense to fight, but the law requires delicate navigation to ensure you get the best result possible.
What is the Difference between A No valid License and a Suspended License?
No Valid Driver’s License and revoked or suspended license are considered separate crimes under Jacksonville, Florida law. These have different elements prosecutors should prove in court to get a conviction.
The crime of No Valid Driver’s License does not require proof of knowledge of the crime. It is enough that the offender doesn’t have the proper documentation for the court to give a conviction. In contrast, an offender with a suspended or revoked license must know that he is under a driver’s license suspension and is continuing to commit the crime.
This difference is small but significant between the two crimes. Another important distinction is that no license charges don’t typically count towards a habitual traffic offender driving with a suspended license.
No matter the charge, contact a lawyer immediately when being charged with these crimes. If you don’t, jail might be a real possibility in your future.
What are the Potential Penalties for Driving Without a Valid Driver's License?>
Driving without a valid driver’s license in Florida is a second-degree misdemeanor, paying a $500 fine and up to 60 days in prison. Although not an actual penalty for the crime, a person convicted will receive a permanent criminal record. However, contacting the right lawyers and completing an alternative penalty will allow you to retain a clean record.
Are there any potential defenses to a Driving Without a ValidDriver's License in Jacksonville, FL?
Being charged with this crime doesn’t mean it is not the end of the road for you. Remember that defenses are still available for you to be acquitted or mitigate the penalties against you. Here are some examples:
- Unlawfully stopped by law enforcement. Even officers who issue a ticket for traffic violations must follow the rules. There are different kinds of traffic stops, but the common reason for these to become unlawful is the presence or absence of probable cause. For example, they lack consent and a search warrant and search your car anyway.
- Unlawful detention after the stop. Police officers can only detain you if you have committed a crime. Other ways detention can be illegal are when police officers lie to a judge or court to get a search or warrant, excessive, lack of reasonable belief necessary to detain a person, and lack of probable cause. You need an excellent attorney to determine if you experienced unlawful detention.
- A person has a valid driver’s license. Some people lose track of where they put their documents during a stop. You could use this defense even if you don’t show the license during the traffic stop. The same is true for cases such as when a non-resident has a state-recognized valid foreign driver’s license in their possession at the time of the traffic stop.
- Location of the arrest. Notice that the law specified a highway but also implies that it involves streets intended for driving and open to the general public. If you are stopped or arrested at a private property or a public road not open to the public, you can use this as a defense in FL.
- Lack of evidence that the person did not have a license issued by another governmental authority. This defense could be valid if the prosecutor could not make their case.
- Falling under the exemptions. The law on driving without a valid license has certain exceptions. This can be a good defense if you can prove to the court that you fall under this category for any driver.
Are there any exemptions to the Requirement to possess a driver's License?
Yes, there are exceptions to the requirement for a valid driver’s license. The law states that the following people may drive in Jacksonville, Florida, without having a driver’s license from Fl if they have a valid license from another state or country:
- Non-residents who are at least 16 years old.
- A person employed by the United States Government driving a government motor vehicle on official business.
- A non-resident is working for a firm on a contract for the United States government. This is only valid for 60 days.
- Non-residents attending a State of Florida college.
- Drivers who only drive a motor vehicle not intended for highways. Including those operating types of machinery like farm tractors or road machines, temporarily on the highway.
- Licensed drivers who live in another state but regularly travel between home and workplace in Florida using a motor vehicle.
- Non-resident migrant farm workers, provided they have acquired a license in their home state.
- Members of the Armed Forces stationed in Florida and their dependents with the following exemptions:
- Service members or spouses who claim homestead exemptions.
- Employed Service Members. All employed drivers in the family must get their licenses.
- The spouse and children must obtain their licenses if the spouse becomes employed.
- Only the driving child must obtain a license if the child becomes employed.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may be getting a No Valid Driver’s License charge because you fall into any of the following circumstances:
- You have been found not to have a valid driver’s license at the time you were driving. If law enforcers determine that you were driving without a valid driver’s license, they are duty-bound to charge you with this crime. Remember that an official charge is not the same as being convicted.
- Your driver’s license was canceled, suspended, or revoked. A canceled license is where your license was determined to be void. This means there is a mistake or error in issuing your license, which is not valid in the first place. On the other hand, a suspended license is a misdemeanor where the privilege of a valid driver’s license is paused due to some legal reason. Suspensions are typically temporary. Revoked licenses are licenses that are permanently deemed invalid due to some legal basis, and reinstating is impossible. However, a driver can apply for a new one.
Contact our attorney immediately if you have trouble with these kinds of cases. We will do everything we can to ensure your court day is good.
Traffic violations typically might affect immigrants looking to formalize their residence in the USA, and a criminal charge might affect their application. However, more severe effects occur when those who don’t have lawful status in the USA are issued a ticket. If law enforcement has determined that you don’t have legal status in the USA, it might cause the beginning of the deportation process. However, if you are to appear for a hearing in court for a traffic violation, immigration status rarely becomes an issue.
No, You don’t need an international driver’s license in Jacksonville, Florida. It is enough that you have a valid driver’s license from your home state. You don’t have to share sensitive information if you don’t need to. This is due to the locality’s desire to maintain a vibrant tourism industry.
Generally, it would be best if you don’t plead guilty or no contest to the No Valid Driver’s License charge. Pleading guilty reflects negatively on your criminal record. However, suppose the charge against you involves an accident, and liability for civil cases comes into question. In that case, a guilty plea could persuade a judge to give you a lesser penalty. Contact our attorney to know what you should do in your case.
Contact an experienced jacksonvilleNo Valid Driver's License attorney for a consultation
If you are facing a No Valid Driver’s License charge, you can contact us and get a consultation for a better idea of your case and what you can do to get the most favorable result. You can be sure our attorneys will fight for you, keep confidential or sensitive information safe, and uphold the highest standards for an attorney-client relationship. Contact us now at (904) 944-5560 and book your consultation with our legal team!
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