YOUR SARASOTA TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEYS
PROTECT YOURSELF AFTER AN ARREST FOR A TRAFFIC CRIME IN SARASOTA
It is unsurprising that most interactions with the police take place on the roadways. Legally, it does not take much for an officer to pull you over, and once stopped, a driver’s license check is sure to follow. The Sarasota criminal defense attorneys at Fowler Law Group can assist you with various traffic crimes including but not limited to No valid driver’s license, Driving while license suspended, habitual traffic offender, reckless driving and fleeing to elude.
NO VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE
Operating a motor vehicle in the State of Florida without a valid driver’s license is a second degree misdemeanor. Upon conviction, you could be sentenced to up to 60 days in the county jail. Although it is a minor misdemeanor, you should not take the charge lightly, as a conviction creates a criminal record that is impossible to erase. Sarasota criminal defense attorneys can work with the prosecutor to help place you in the best possible position.
DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED (DWLS)
There are two types of DWLS charges. The first is DWLS with knowledge, considered a misdemeanor for first time offenders. There are numerous reasons why someone’s license may be suspended, and the type of sanction that the State is seeking usually depends on the reason for the suspension in the first place. For suspensions for criminal convictions (such as DUI, fleeing to elude, drug charges, etc.) the State Attorney usually seeks jail time. For other suspensions, (such as failure to pay a traffic ticket) it may be possible to work with the State Attorney to achieve a result that does not result in any jail time. The sanction that the State seeks is also usually depends on whether your criminal history shows that this offense happens often. The other type of DWLS charge is driving while license suspended without knowledge. This is a civil infraction in the State of Florida, however, you must be cautious, as a conviction for the offense could have extremely adverse consequences for your driving privilege. The Sarasota criminal defense attorneys at Fowler Law Group have extensive experience in handling these types of matters.
HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Upon conviction of three “major traffic offenses” within a five year period of time, the State of Florida will designate you a “Habitual Traffic Offender.” Major traffic infractions including but not limited to the offenses of DWLS with knowledge, DUI, a conviction of DWLS without knowledge and fleeing to elude.” Upon being designated a Habitual Traffic Offender, your driver’s license will be suspended for a period of five years. The State of Florida takes a strong stance on these drivers, and usually asks for extended periods of jail time for those individuals caught driving while under “HTO” status. If your driving record supports it, it may be possible to remove the HTO designation, and restore your driving privilege.
RECKLESS DRIVING
Reckless Driving is defined by the State of Florida as the “willful, or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. If any damage to property or person of another occur, the crime is enhanced to a first degree misdemeanor and it is then punishable by one day shy of a year in the county jail. Even more severe, if someone is seriously injured as a result of the reckless driving, it is then considered a third degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. It is especially important in these types of cases to contact a defense lawyer as soon as possible to help preserve evidence that might otherwise be lost, such as law enforcement officer footage, 911 calls, surveillance footage from nearby business and witness statements. Certain types of digital evidence may be erased after a portion of time. The criminal defense attorneys at Fowler Law Group can help secure evidence that could be used in your defense.
Our Satisfied Clients
HEAR WHAT FORMER CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY About Us
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“Made an unpleasant experience more bearable.”
“Both Mr. Fowler and his staff were a pleasure to work with and made an unpleasant experience more bearable. I greatly appreciate his assistance and would highly recommend him to anyone.”- Former Client -
“Best choice for my legal defense.”
In August 2016, I was arrested for driving under the influence. After my release from jail, my best friend Jessica gave me a number for a defense lawyer so I could hopefully fix my current legal situation involving my arrest by Sarasota PD. Mr. Fowler previously helped my friend get out of her sticky situation with the law. After briefly speaking to Mr. Fowler about my situation, I decided that he would be the best choice for my legal defense.- Nicole -
“Demonstrated true passion & professional in my case.”
Mr. Fowler took on a criminal case in my behave & display full attention to my concerns, he demonstrated true passion & professional in my case. If you ever need a criminal attorney, I highly recommend this law firm for your situation.- John -
“Great Job!”
“Mr. Fowler did a great job. He worked hard for my defense and got me the best possible out come for my case.”- Sean -
“Highly Recommend!”
“Highly recommended. James is very knowledgeable.”- Joe -
“Wonderful Team!”
“James and his team were wonderful to our family in our time of need. They were knowledgeable, diligent, professional, and someone was always accessible for questions, concerns, and issues.”- Sarah -
“Great Customer Service!”
“I would highly recommend Mr. Fowler and his Team! They were fantastic every step of the way and fought hard to get us the best possible outcome for our case; Jim got us exactly what he hoped he could get for us and exceeded our expectations.”- Olivia -
“Great Attorney!”
“James and his team were wonderful to our family in our time of need. They were knowledgeable, diligent, professional, and someone was always accessible for questions, concerns, and issues.”- Sarah
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Charges Dropped Traffic Infraction Resulting in a Fatality -
Not Guilty Jury Verdict Felony Possession of Marijuana
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Released from Jail Assault with a Deadly Weapon
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Charges Dropped Felony Battery against a Healthcare Worker
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Jury Trial Not Guilty Verdict DUI
Case Results
Fighting for the best Possible Outcome
- Traffic Infraction Resulting in a Fatality
- Felony Possession of Marijuana
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Felony Battery against a Healthcare Worker
- DUI