Welcome to the very first episode of From Badges to Briefcases, Gans Law’s podcast where former law enforcement officers (now defense attorneys) break down real issues in the news and what they mean for everyday people.
For our inaugural episode, Brandon Gans and Attorney Ian Wise tackled a topic that’s been everywhere lately: drivers getting arrested for extreme speeding under Florida’s “Super Speeder” law—and why what used to be “just a ticket” can now turn into a criminal case.
Why this matters: speeding can now mean handcuffs, not a citation
For years, even high-speed tickets were usually handled as non-criminal traffic matters. But as discussed on the podcast, Florida’s newer “dangerous excessive speeding” enforcement has changed the stakes—and in some cases, drivers are being arrested on the spot instead of receiving a standard citation.
Brandon and Ian’s main point:
Most people don’t realize how quickly an ordinary drive can turn into a criminal court date.
What is Florida’s “Super Speeder” law (as discussed in the episode)?
In the podcast, Brandon and Ian explained the law in two main categories:
1) 50+ mph over the posted speed limit
As discussed, this level of speed alone can trigger an arrest—even without proof that you affected other drivers.
2) 100+ mph with additional impact on others
They also discussed a second category involving speeds over 100 mph, where the state may argue the driving affected the safety of people/property or interfered with other vehicles.
Important note: Laws and enforcement policies can change. If you’re facing this charge, talk to a lawyer quickly so you’re dealing with the current version of the statute and the local prosecution policy.
Orange County’s “10-day jail offer” — policy vs. statute
One of the most shocking parts of the episode: Brandon and Ian discussed how, in Orange County, prosecutors may be pushing a baseline offer that includes jail time in these cases.
They also emphasized a key distinction:
-
The statute may not require a “minimum mandatory” jail sentence,
-
But a local office policy can still push jail offers aggressively.
That means your outcome can depend heavily on:
-
the county you’re charged in,
-
the facts alleged,
-
your driving record,
-
and how your case is presented to the court.
“There’s no grace period” (and why that’s catching people off guard)
Brandon and Ian talked about how, with many new laws, enforcement sometimes starts with warnings or lighter treatment—at least early on.
But their experience so far: that hasn’t been happening here.
They described agencies “pushing” these cases—especially in heavily patrolled areas like I-4 and express lanes.
And a reminder from the episode that’s worth repeating:
Not knowing the law is not a defense.
Even if you genuinely didn’t know you could be arrested, you can still be charged.
Out-of-state drivers: why it can get even messier
The episode also raised a big concern for tourists and visitors:
-
If you’re from out of state, a Florida criminal traffic arrest can affect your driving record back home.
-
Bond conditions can be tougher because a judge may view out-of-state drivers as a higher flight risk.
-
Rental cars, unfamiliar roads, and travel timing can make a bad situation worse—fast.
Insider perspective: Radar vs. Laser (and why it matters in defense)
Because Ian has experience using both radar and laser (LIDAR), the conversation shifted into how speed is measured and where mistakes can happen.
Here’s the simple breakdown from the episode:
-
Radar casts a wider “cone” and can pick up multiple objects—officers must confirm what they’re seeing matches the reading.
-
Laser/LIDAR is more target-specific—point-and-measure with a visible aiming point.
They also discussed that training, certifications, logs, and even environmental factors can matter when evaluating whether the speed measurement is reliable.
“Entrapment” isn’t what most people think it is
The episode also responded to a social media comment about entrapment. Ian explained that:
-
An officer hiding and catching you is not entrapment.
-
Entrapment generally requires the state to coerce or persuade you into doing something you otherwise wouldn’t have done.
Bottom line: “They were hiding” usually isn’t a legal defense by itself.
Should you just pay it and move on?
For a criminal “Super Speeder” arrest, Brandon and Ian explained you don’t typically have the simple “pay and move on” option like many traffic tickets.
And even for standard tickets, they discussed why blindly paying can hurt you—because points, insurance impacts, and long-term record consequences can add up fast.
Their takeaway: Get guidance early. The earlier you address it, the more options you may have.
What to do if you were arrested (or cited) for extreme speeding in Florida
If you or someone you know is facing one of these cases, here are smart next steps:
-
Don’t ignore the court date (these can move quickly).
-
Don’t assume it’s “just a ticket.”
-
Write down everything you remember (location, traffic conditions, speed alleged, officer statements).
-
Talk to a criminal defense attorney ASAP—especially one who handles traffic-related criminal matters regularly.
Watch / listen to the full episode
This blog is based on our first From Badges to Briefcases episode with Brandon Gans and Attorney Ian Wise.
If you want the full breakdown—including real-world insight from former law enforcement officers turned defense attorneys—watch the full episode and let us know what topics you want next.
Comment your questions and topic ideas—we’ll cover what’s in the news and what you’re dealing with in real life.
Free consultation with Gans Law
If you were arrested for speeding, cited for dangerous excessive speeding, or you’re worried about how this could impact your license, insurance, or record:
Call Gans Law for a free consultation.
Flat Rate. Full Defense. Trial Included.
Everyone Deserves Justice.
Recent Comments