Defendant Arrested on way to Reinstate License; Charged with Driving While License Suspended or Revoked, Second Offense
Charges DROPPED!The Charges
The Police pulled over a South American immigrant for driving without headlights. The Police learned that the Driver did not possess a valid Florida license, only a license from her native country. The Officer issued the Defendant a citation for Driving without a Valid License and a Summons to appear in Court.
Driving Without A Valid Licenses
Even though driving without a valid driver’s license may not seem like a severe crime, it holds many penalties that will affect the offender now and in the future. Under Florida Statutes, it is illegal to drive without possessing a valid driver’s license. This is charged as a second-degree misdemeanor, with fines that can reach up to $500 and jail time that can accumulate to 60 days behind bars. If you do not have any prior convictions, there is a large chance that you will not serve any jail time.
There are exceptions to driving without a valid driver’s license, such as operating a golf cart or farm machinery.
Summons to Appear in Court
A summons to appear in court can be used for criminal or civil cases. This is often what starts the beginning of a legal case. The summons is often given to the defendant for them to appear in the courtroom. This official court document will include the name of the court issuing the summons, the court number that has been assigned to your case, the names of the plaintiff and defendant (yourself), what the court case is about, and information for how the defendant should respond to the summons. If you do not respond to the summons to appear in court, you will most likely automatically lose the case.
Plea in Absentia
A plea in absentia means that the defendant of the case enters a plea without actually entering the courtroom. This is used for those that live outside of state or country.
Contacting Musca Law Firm
At Musca Law Firm, our attorneys are prepared to take on a charge of Driving Without a Valid License, as well as a wide-range of other criminal defense charges. Our law firm serves the entire state of Florida with many offices in different cities across the state for your geographical convenience. We offer a free, no-obligation initial case consultation and we answer our phones 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our attorneys will provide a strong defense strategy for you in order to protect your rights and future. We have the skills to negotiate with the prosecution to strive toward your preferred outcome of either reduced or dismissed charges. Please call us today to set up an appointment with one of our experienced attorneys!
RESULT: The Defendant retained Musca Law to defend the criminal charge against her. The Client feared that her Court appearance would jeopardize her immigration status, which could potentially result in her deportation. The Attorney filed a Plea in Absentia on the Client’s behalf. The Plea in Absentia allowed the Client to negotiate a plea in the case without her presence in Court. The Court ruled NO FORMAL FINDING OF GUILT on the charge of Driving Without a Valid License, and the Client’s immigration status remained in good standing.