Why Choose Us?
A criminal traffic charge can threaten your driving privileges, record, freedom, and ability to work. The Law Offices of Jose E. Lopez, P.A. provides personalized criminal defense for drivers facing serious traffic charges in Orlando and throughout Central Florida.
Clients turn to our firm for:
- Free consultations
- 18 years of criminal law experience
- Former Ninth Judicial Circuit public defender experience
- Thousands of criminal cases handled
- Direct, personalized attention from Attorney Jose E. Lopez
- Numerous 5 star client ratings
- Representation in Orlando and Central Florida courts
- Spanish language assistance
Traffic violations range from routine civil citations to criminal offenses that can carry jail time and create a criminal record. If you have been arrested, issued a notice to appear, or charged with a criminal traffic offense, understanding the difference is important. The Law Offices of Jose E. Lopez, P.A. can review the allegations, examine the evidence, and help you determine the best way to protect your license, record, and future.
Are you facing a traffic crimes charge? Our Orlando defense lawyers can help. Schedule a consultation to see how you future and reputation can be protected.
What Is a Criminal Traffic Offense in Florida?
A criminal traffic offense is a driving related violation that can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony rather than handled only as a civil traffic infraction. Depending on the charge and circumstances, a conviction may lead to jail, fines, driver’s license consequences, probation, and a criminal record.
Not every traffic ticket is a crime. Speeding tickets, seat belt violations, and many stop sign or traffic signal violations are generally handled as civil infractions. More serious conduct can result in criminal prosecution.
Common criminal traffic charges in Florida include:
- DUI
- Reckless driving
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Driving without a valid driver’s license
- Dangerous excessive speeding
- Leaving the scene of a crash
- Fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement
- Racing on highways
- Street takeovers and stunt driving
- Certain repeat traffic offenses
- Traffic offenses involving serious bodily injury or death
Whether an offense is civil or criminal depends on the specific charge and facts of the case.
What Is the Difference Between a Traffic Ticket and a Traffic Crime?
A traffic ticket usually involves a civil infraction resolved through a fine, traffic school, hearing, or other administrative process. A criminal traffic charge is prosecuted through the criminal court system and may expose the accused person to penalties beyond points and fines.
This distinction matters because paying a routine traffic citation may function differently from entering a plea in a criminal traffic case.
Possible consequences of a criminal traffic conviction can include:
- Jail or incarceration
- Criminal fines and court costs
- Probation
- Points on a driver’s license
- Driver’s license suspension or revocation
- Vehicle related consequences in certain cases
- A criminal record
- Increased insurance costs
- Employment complications for jobs involving driving
- Consequences for commercial drivers
Before resolving a serious traffic citation or criminal charge, it can be helpful to understand exactly what offense has been alleged and what consequences may follow.
What Are the Most Common Criminal Traffic Charges in Orlando?
Criminal traffic cases in Orlando include offenses involving dangerous driving, licensing violations, crashes, and attempts to avoid law enforcement. The seriousness of a charge can vary significantly depending on prior convictions, injuries, the driver’s knowledge or intent, and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
What Happens After You Are Charged With a Traffic Crime in Orlando?
The criminal traffic process usually involves several stages, although the exact procedure depends on the charge and whether the person was arrested or issued a notice to appear.
The 5 general steps in defending an Orlando criminal traffic case are:
- Review the charge and deadlines. The citation, arrest paperwork, court dates, and driver’s license status should be reviewed promptly.
- Investigate the evidence. Police reports, videos, witnesses, driving records, and other relevant materials can be gathered and evaluated.
- Identify legal and license issues. The defense should determine what the prosecution must prove and whether separate driver’s license consequences must be addressed.
- Challenge the charge or negotiate when appropriate. Depending on the evidence, the defense may seek dismissal, reduction, or another resolution.
- Prepare for court or trial. If the case cannot be resolved favorably through other means, preparation may include motions, witness examination, evidentiary challenges, and trial strategy.
Taking action early can provide more time to preserve evidence and address issues involving driving privileges.
Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Criminal Traffic Charge?
A lawyer can be particularly important when a traffic offense carries possible jail time, a criminal record, license suspension, or felony exposure. A criminal traffic case should not automatically be treated like an ordinary ticket simply because the allegations arose from driving.
Legal representation may help you understand:
- Whether the charge is criminal or civil
- The maximum possible penalties
- How the charge may affect your driver’s license
- Whether prior offenses increase the consequences
- What evidence the prosecution must prove
- What defenses may apply
- Whether a negotiated resolution is possible
- What to expect in Orange County court
Speaking with counsel early also gives your attorney more time to investigate and preserve potentially useful evidence.
Contact Our Orlando Traffic Crimes Attorney Today
It is in your best interest to obtain legal representation from an Orlando traffic ticket lawyer early on. At the Law Offices of Jose E. Lopez, P.A., we are committed to providing our clients with the quality legal counsel they deserve through every step of the process. We use our knowledge of the local courts and prosecutors to our clients’ advantage. We can address the concerns and needs of clients as we work to a positive outcome.
If you’re looking for a traffic lawyer near you in Orlando contact our traffic ticket attorney today!
For more details about your case , schedule with a case review with our Orlando traffic crime attorney right away. Call us to seek dedicated legal counsel.
FAQs
Can I Go to Jail for a Traffic Violation in Florida?
Yes, if the traffic violation is a criminal offense. Charges such as reckless driving, knowingly driving with a suspended license, dangerous excessive speeding, fleeing or attempting to elude, and certain leaving the scene offenses can carry possible incarceration. Ordinary civil traffic citations usually do not carry jail time.
Do I Have to Go to Court for a Criminal Traffic Charge in Orlando?
Many criminal traffic charges involve a required court process, but whether you must personally appear at every hearing depends on the charge and circumstances. Do not assume that paying a citation resolves a criminal case. An Orlando traffic crimes lawyer can review your paperwork and explain your court obligations.
Can a Criminal Traffic Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed?
Yes, some criminal traffic charges may be reduced or dismissed depending on the evidence, legal issues, driving history, and circumstances. Possible issues may involve insufficient proof, problems with a traffic stop, lack of required knowledge or intent, witness credibility, or weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.