Immigrant Feared Deportation after Charged with Driving without Valid License
NO CONVICTION!The Charges
Police pulled over a South American immigrant for driving without headlights. Police learned that Driver did not possess a valid Florida license, only a license from her native country. The officer issued Driver a citation for Driving without a Valid License and a Summons to appear in Court.
Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License
In Florida, one needs to have a valid driver’s license in order to drive on any public roads or highways. If you are caught driving without a valid driver’s license, you will be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. You will face a fine of $500 and could face up to 60 days in jail. Jail time is unlikely if you have never committed a crime before.
There are many defenses that can be used for driving without a valid driver’s license, including the following:
- You possess an out of state or foreign driver’s license
- You were not driving on a public street, highway, or road
- You do have a valid Florida driver’s license but you failed to have it on you at the time of being pulled over
- The traffic stop was not lawful
- After being arrested, you were unlawfully detained
Plea of Absentia
In a plea of absentia, a plea can be entered without stepping foot into the courtroom. Your attorney can appear in court for you with an affidavit. Your attorney will fight you on your behalf. If the court accepts your plea, you will need to pay the court costs, fines, and any other payments decided upon in court. Payments for these can often be made online.
Musca Law Firm
If you have been charged with any criminal charge, you should think about obtaining legal services. Musca Law Firm would be more than happy to assist you We offer a free consultation for you to decide if we are the right firm for you. We believe you will feel that we are!
Our firm has successfully handled many cases similar to yours. With over 150 years of combined legal experience, we are well-equipped to defend you. We will develop a strong defense and go head-to-head with the prosecution if need be. Our attorneys are not afraid to negotiate to find the best possible results for you.
Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as we realize life does not only happen between business hours. We have various offices located in several Florida cities, which allows us to serve the entire state. Please call us today at (888) 484-5057 to schedule your initial appointment.
RESULT: Defendant retained Musca Law to defend the criminal charges against her. The Client feared that her Court appearance would jeopardize her status with immigration resulting in 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.