🚔 Criminal Traffic Offenses in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida
🚨 Did you know? Florida law enforcement issues over 180,000 criminal traffic citations every year, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Broward County ranks among the highest in the state for serious charges, including DUI, fleeing and eluding, and driving with a suspended license.
If you’re facing a criminal traffic charge in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, or anywhere in South Florida, the consequences are serious—and the time to act is now.
🚔 Criminal Traffic Offenses in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida
A criminal traffic offense is a driving-related violation that carries criminal penalties—as opposed to a civil traffic ticket like speeding or running a red light.
These charges often involve:
- Repeat offenses
- Reckless or intentional conduct
- Risk of harm to others
- Driving without legal authority (e.g., suspended license, no valid license)
📋 Potential penalties include:
- Jail or probation
- Heavy fines and court costs
- Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
- A permanent criminal record
➡️ Even a first-time conviction can affect your insurance, employment, and mobility.
🚗 Common Criminal Traffic Charges We Defend
At Michael White, P.A., we regularly represent clients across Fort Lauderdale and South Florida who have been charged with:
- 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 Driver’s License (NVDL) – Fla. Stat. § 322.54
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Fla. Stat. § 316.061
- Expired Tag or Registration – Fla. Stat. § 322.07
- Violating a Restricted License – Fla. Stat. § 322.16
🛑 Why You Shouldn’t Handle These Charges Alone
Criminal traffic charges can lead to:
- Jail time—even for a first offense
- Permanent loss of driving privileges
- A record that follows you for life
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Without a defense lawyer, you may:
- Accidentally plead guilty to a criminal offense
- Miss opportunities for dismissal, diversion, or withhold of adjudication
- Suffer unnecessary penalties
💬 Criminal Traffic FAQs – 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?
A: Absolutely. Especially if it’s a repeat offense or you’ve been designated a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO).
Q: What’s the difference between a moving violation and a criminal traffic offense?
A: Moving violations (like speeding) are civil infractions. Criminal traffic offenses involve risk to public safety or intentional misconduct—and carry criminal penalties.
Q: What’s the difference between a moving violation and a criminal traffic offense?
A: Moving violations (like speeding) are civil infractions. Criminal traffic offenses involve risk to public safety or intentional misconduct—and carry criminal penalties.
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.
👉 Learn about sealing and expungement in Florida
📍 Criminal Traffic Defense in Fort Lauderdale & South Florida
Whether you’re facing charges for DWLS, racing, or leaving the scene, Michael White, P.A. offers aggressive, experienced defense throughout Broward County and beyond.
🛡️ We’ll help you:
- Challenge unlawful stops or arrests
- Negotiate for dismissals or reduced charges
- Pursue diversion programs or withhold of adjudication
- Protect your record, license, and long-term future
📞 Call (954) 270-0769-0850 today or schedule your free consultation online