Criminal Traffic Offense Lawyer

Criminal Traffic Offenses in Florida

The consequences of being convicted of a criminal traffic offense can be serious. If you have been accused of a criminal traffic offense, it is important to hire a criminal defense lawyer that you trust to protect your rights, provide assistance in navigating the court process, and to help you achieve the best result possible depending on the specific facts of your case.

Attorney Chris Beardslee is an experienced criminal traffic offense lawyer serving the Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota counties.

He is dedicated to not only providing the best legal advice and defense for your case, but also to making sure that you are informed about the process and your legal options along the way.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your criminal traffic case or any current charges, our office is happy to help.

Contact Criminal Traffic Attorney Chris Beardslee for a free consultation today. Call 813-496-7778 or fill out a contact form and we will get in touch with you to discuss the best strategies for your case.

Different Types of Traffic Crimes in Florida

Most of the violations of Chapter 316, Florida Statutes, are classified as non-criminal traffic infractions. Florida law, however, provides for several traffic violations that are classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor.

Criminal Traffic Crimes Listed in Section 318.17, Florida Statutes, Include:

Driving Under the Influence § 316.193, 316.1932
Second Refusal to Submit to Testing 316.1939
Reckless Driving
Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer With the Intent to Elude (Flee to Elude)
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Making False Crash Reports § 316.067
Willfully Failing or Refusing to Comply With Any Lawful Order or Direction § 316.072(3) of Any:
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Member of a Fire Department
- Traffic Accident Investigation Officer
- Traffic Infraction Enforcement Officer
Obstructing a Weight and Safety Officer of the Department of Transportation § 316.545(1)
Filing a False Affidavit to Transfer Liability for a Red Light Camera Ticket § 316.0083(1)(d)(5)
Participating in a Racing on a Highway
Selling or Installing Improper Sunscreening material § 316.2956
Violating Federal Rules and Regulations Regarding the Transportation of Hazardous Materials § 316.302(5)(b)
Obstructing a Street or Highway for Purposes of Solicitation § 316.2045(2)
Willful Violation of Load Restrictions Resulting in Serious Bodily Injuries or Death § 316.520(3)(b)
Traffic Homicide/Traffic Fatality

No Valid Driver’s License
Driving While License is Suspended
Driving on a Habitual Traffic Offender Suspension
Hit and Run

One Common Type of Traffic Crime Is Driving Under The Influence (Often Called DUI or DWI in Other Jurisdictions)

Florida law allows for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) to be charged in many ways, including the following:

First DUI
Second DUI
Third DUI
Fourth DUI
DUI with Property Damage or Non-Serious Bodily Injury
Zero Tolerance DUI

Types of Felony Traffic Crimes Under Florida Law Include:

DUI with Serious Bodily Injury – F.S. Section 316.193(3)(a)(b)(c)(2)
DUI Manslaughter – F.S. Section 316.193(3)(a)(b)(c)(3)
Vehicular Manslaughter – F.S. Section 782.71(1)
Vessel Homicide – F.S. Section 782.072
Reckless Driving with Serious Bodily Injury – F.S. Section 31.192(1)(3)(a)(b)(c)2
Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Death – F.S. 316.027
BUI Serious Bodily Injury – F.S. Section 327.35(3)(a)(b)(c)2
BUI Manslaughter – F.S. Section 327.35(3)(a)(b)(c)3

Definitions for Traffic Offenses Listed in Florida’s Chapter 316

Although some provisions of chapter 316 apply to owners of vehicles, most of the provisions of chapter 316 apply to drivers and operators.

For example, Section 316.003(10), Florida Statutes, defines a “driver” as “[a]ny person who drives or who is in actual physical control of a vehicle on a highway or who is exercising control of a vehicle or steering a vehicle being towed by a motor vehicle.”

The type of vehicle that is driven, operated, or controlled plays a role in the distinction between drivers and operators. The term “driver” and “driving” relate to “vehicles,” which include all devices for transportation, except those used exclusively on rails or tracks. See § 316.003(75), Fla. Stat.

On the other hand, Section 316.003(25), Florida Statutes, defines “operator” as “[a]ny person who is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle upon the highway, or who is exercising control over or steering a vehicle being towed by a motor vehicle.”

The term “operator” and “operating” apply to specific types of “motor vehicles” defined in section 316.003(21) including “a self-propelled vehicle not including any bicycle, motorized scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, swamp buggy, or moped.”

Hardship Hearings for Early Reinstatement on a Restricted Basis

What happens if your license is suspended? Can you get a hardship license to drive? For many types of suspensions or revocations, you can apply for a hardship license if you meet certain conditions.

The hearing to determine whether you are entitled to a hardship license is conducted by hearing officers with the Bureau of Administrative Reviews (BAR) at one of their regional offices. The BAR has offices in both Tampa and Clearwater, FL, that serve all of the surrounding counties. Hearing officers are responsible for the scheduling, conducting, and documenting hardship hearings.

Section 322.271, Florida Statutes gives the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) the authority to modify revocation, cancellation, or suspension orders. Hearing officers are authorized to conduct hearings and authorize reinstatement or early reinstatement on a restricted basis.

Eligibility for reinstatement or early reinstatement will be determined by the applicant’s driving history, current license status and driving needs in accordance with this manual, and all applicable laws and policies.

Upon the suspension, cancellation, or revocation of the driver’s license of any person the department is required to immediately notify the licensee and, upon request, is required to afford him or her the opportunity for a hearing, as early as practicable within not more than 30 days after receipt of such request.

Keep in Mind That Under Florida Law, The Following Sanctions Are Not Eligible for Early Reinstatement (Often Called a “Hardship License”) Including:

Administrative suspensions under Section 322.2615 for the court-ordered suspension if there have been two or more convictions for DUI;
Administrative suspension for a DUI refusal under 322.2615 with a prior refusal;
First conviction for DUI with two or more prior refusal suspensions;
Second conviction for DUI outside 5 years of the preceding conviction for DUI;
Third conviction for DUI outside 10 years of the preceding conviction for DUI;
Revocation for felony violation of chapter 893, or felony possession of a controlled substance;
Suspension for possession of tobacco by a minor;
Indefinite revocation for child support delinquency;
Indefinite revocation for failing to pay traffic fines or failure to appear for a traffic summons;
Suspension resulting from the “Drop Out Law”;
Theft of motor vehicle parts or components (unless authorized by the trial judge);
Financial Responsibility suspensions;
Permanent revocation for murder resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle; or
Permanent revocation for DUI manslaughter where the record shows a prior conviction for DUI.