Florida’s vibrant highways and scenic coastal roads are magnets for drivers, but even the most cautious can encounter the dreaded flashing lights in their rearview mirror. While many traffic stops result in minor infractions, some violations in the Sunshine State carry the heavier weight of traffic criminal violations. Understanding these distinctions and the most common offenses can empower you to navigate such situations effectively.

Know Your Stakes: Infraction vs. Criminal Violation

• Infractions: These are civil offenses typically carrying fines but no jail time or driver’s license suspension.
• Traffic Criminal Violations: These involve more serious offenses with harsher penalties, including jail time (up to a year), significant fines, and license suspension or revocation.

Most Common Florida Traffic Criminal Violations

1. Reckless Driving: This encompasses behaviors demonstrating disregard for safety, like excessive speeding, weaving through traffic, passing stopped school buses, or aggressive driving near pedestrians. Penalties vary but can include hefty fines, jail time, and license suspension.
2. Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs is a serious criminal offense in Florida. Penalties can involve hefty fines, jail time, mandatory alcohol education programs, and driver’s license revocation.
3. Leaving the Scene of an Accident: Failing to stop and exchange information after an accident, regardless of severity, is a criminal offense in Florida. Penalties include fines, jail time, and license suspension.
4. Speeding Exceeding Certain Limits: While some speeding tickets are infractions, exceeding designated limits in school zones, construction zones, or designated high-speed zones becomes a criminal offense in Florida. Penalties escalate with the severity of the violation and can include fines, jail time, and license suspension.
5. Driving Without a Valid License: Operating a vehicle without a valid license or with a suspended/revoked license is a criminal offense with fines and potential jail time.
6. Racing: Engaging in unauthorized speed contests on public roads is a serious criminal offense in Florida with severe consequences, including hefty fines, jail time, and license suspension.
7. Fleeing/Eluding a Police Officer: Attempting to escape a lawful traffic stop carries significant penalties, including felony charges in some cases.
8. Resisting Arrest: Obstructing or interfering with a lawful arrest, even verbally, can be a criminal offense with fines and potential jail time.

Remember: This list is not exhaustive, and specific laws and classifications may vary by county and municipality.

Facing a Traffic Criminal Violation in Florida? Don’t Panic!

• Understand the Charges: Carefully review your citation and research the specific offense and its implications.
• Seek Legal Guidance: Consulting a qualified traffic attorney familiar with Florida laws is crucial. They can navigate the legal complexities, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court if necessary.
• Gather Evidence: If you have any evidence disputing the charges, like dashcam footage or witness statements, present them to your attorney.
• Court Appearance: Be prepared for your court date, dress professionally, and arrive on time. Your attorney will guide you through the proceedings.

Remember: Don’t ignore a traffic criminal violation. Taking proactive steps and seeking legal counsel can significantly impact the outcome and minimize potential consequences.

By understanding the distinctions between infractions and traffic criminal violations, knowing the most common offenses, and taking informed actions, you can navigate Florida’s roads with greater awareness and minimize the risk of facing serious consequences. Remember, consulting with a qualified traffic attorney remains the best course of action for personalized guidance based on your specific situation and the specific details of your case.