Last updated January 2026
đ¨Why Criminal Traffic Charges Matter in South Florida
If youâve been charged with a criminal traffic offense, you need an experienced traffic crimes lawyer in Fort Lauderdale to protect your license, record, and freedom. Florida law enforcement issues more than 180,000 criminal traffic citations each year (FLHSMV), and Broward County ranks among the highest for serious charges â from DUI and reckless driving to driving with a suspended license or fleeing and eluding.
If youâre facing charges in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach County, or anywhere in South Florida, the consequences are serious â and the time to act is now.
âď¸ What Counts as a Criminal Traffic Offense?
Unlike a civil infraction (speeding, running a red light), a traffic crimes in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Florida carry criminal penalties. These cases often involve:
Repeat violations or habitual offenders
Reckless or intentional conduct
Risk of harm to others
Working with a skilled traffic crimes lawyer Fort Lauderdale means you have someone who can challenge illegal stops, negotiate for reduced penalties, and protect your future.
đ Penalties may include:
Jail or probation
Heavy fines and court costs
Suspension or revocation of your driverâs license
Permanent criminal record
Insurance spikes or cancellation
âĄď¸ Even a first-time conviction can affect employment, mobility, commercial driver’s licenses (CDL), and immigration status.
đ Common Criminal Traffic Charges in Florida
Criminal traffic offenses range from license-based violations to serious conduct that puts others at risk. Below are some of the most common criminal traffic charges we defense in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida. Click any of them to learn how Florida law defines the offense, the penalties involved, and available defenses.
- Driving With a Suspended License (DWLS) (Fla. Stat. § 322.34)
- Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) (Fla. Stat. § 322.264)
- Fleeing and Eluding (Fla. Stat. § 316.1935)
- Reckless Driving (Fla. Stat. § 316.192)
- Racing on Highways / Street Racing (Fla. Stat. § 316.191)
- Attaching an Unassigned Plate (Fla. Stat. § 320.261)
- No Valid Driverâs License (NVDL) (Fla. Stat. § 322.54)
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Fla. Stat. § 316.061, 316.027)
- Expired Tag or Registration (Fla. Stat. § 322.07)
- Violating a Restricted License (Fla. Stat. § 322.16)
đĄď¸ How We Defend Criminal Traffic Charges
Every case is unique, but common defense strategies include:
đ Illegal Stop or Arrest
We challenge traffic stops, checkpoints, or searches that violated constitutional protections.
đ Lack of Knowledge
In DWLS/NVDL cases, the State must prove you knew your license was suspended. Notice defects are common.
đ Diversion / Withhold of Adjudication
Many traffic crimes qualify for diversion programs or withholds â protecting your record and sealing eligibility.
âŹď¸ Charge Reductions
Felony HTO, fleeing, or reckless driving charges can often be reduced to misdemeanors or civil infractions.
đ Immigration-Safe Resolutions
Avoiding convictions is critical for non-citizens; we tailor strategies to prevent immigration consequences.
đŹ Criminal Traffic FAQs â Fort Lauderdale & South Florida
Q: Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Florida?
A: Yes. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor but may be charged as a felony if it causes serious injury or death.
Q: Can you go to jail for driving with a suspended license?
Q: Whatâs the difference between a moving violation and a criminal traffic offense?
A: Absolutely. Especially if it’s a repeat offense or youâve been designated a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO).
A: Moving violations (like speeding) are civil infractions. Criminal traffic offenses involve risk to public safety or intentional misconductâand carry criminal penalties.
Q: Will a criminal traffic offense affect my car insurance?
A: Yes. A conviction for offenses like reckless driving, DWLS, or racing often leads to skyrocketing insurance premiums, policy cancellation, or being labeled âhigh risk.â In some cases, even a withhold of adjudication can trigger insurance consequences â another reason why having a defense lawyer fight for dismissal or reduction is critical.
Q: Can I seal or expunge a criminal traffic charge in Florida?
A: Possibly. It depends on whether adjudication was withheld, the charge was dismissed, and your eligibility.
đ Learn about sealing and expungement in Florida
đ Criminal Traffic Defense in Fort Lauderdale & South Florida
Donât face criminal traffic charges alone â call Michael White, P.A., your dedicated traffic crimes lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, for a free consultation.
đ Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule your free consultation online.
Protect your license. Protect your record. Protect your future.