fbpx

Do I Need a Lawyer to Fight a DWLS Case?

There are a variety of factors at play in a case of Driving While License Suspended, Revoked, or Canceled (DWLS) (Florida Statue 322.34), such as: Were you driving while knowing that your license was suspended? Is this your first offense? Did you cause serious bodily harm to someone? Etc. 

If you get caught driving with a suspended license, you can definitely fight the charges yourself. This means taking time out of your day to appear in front of the judge during each court hearing. The judge or prosecutor may extend a plea bargain to you in order to resolve your case. That plea bargain may seem tempting but may very likely carry unintended consequences. For example, a DWLS with Knowledge charge is criminal in nature and thus may impact your future employment opportunities.

A Withhold of Adjudication (no conviction) and court costs may sound like a great deal but even a Withhold will count as a strike against you. If you accumulate 3 strikes within 5 years, the DMV may classify you as a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) and revoke your license for 5 years.

Even though hiring an attorney can sound expensive, in the long run, it can be a good investment. With the experience of an attorney, you can be back on the road in no time. They may even be able to keep you out of jail if you have multiple prior DWLS convictions on your record. A third criminal conviction carries a minimum 10-day jail sentence unless the attorney can have your charge dismissed or reduced.

If you try to fight a DWLS case on your own, there is a chance you may make it even more difficult to reinstate your driver’s license. Then you’ll have to rely on others to drive you around or pay for Uber/Lyft to get you where you need to go. Plus, having to take time off work to attend court hearings and paying court fines can end up being more expensive. 

If you hire an experienced Florida DWLS attorney, they will be able to appear in court on your behalf so you won’t have to take time out of your day to appear. Since attorneys have an understanding of the legal system, they also can negotiate on your behalf to try and get a lesser charge to allow you to keep your license and stay out of jail. Additionally, the attorney can likely help you with the reinstatement of your license!

message us

I would highly recommend Gans Law to any friends or family. As this was my first experience with a law firm, Brandon Gans was very helpful and informative on the steps I needed to take. He was professional, knowledgeable, and quick to respond to any questions or concerns, making the process much easier. I am pleased to say my case was successfully dismissed.

- Monica

Firm Overview

Gans Law offers a variety of services that range from criminal defense to suspended licenses. Here at Gans Law, we understand that sometimes good people find themselves dealing with complex legal matters.

Learn More

Case Results

Our Reviews

Serving all of central Florida

Orange

Hillsborough

Osceola

Brevard

Seminole

Polk

Volusia

Pinellas

Can a Petitioner Violate a Restraining Order in Florida?

In Florida, a restraining order is a protective order designed to safeguard individuals from threats, harassment, or abuse. The order is typically issued against a respondent, the individual accused of the behavior, to protect the petitioner. Restraining orders are...

Resisting Arrest With and Without Violence in Florida

Whenever you encounter law enforcement and they go to arrest you, it is never a good idea to resist them as you can get into more trouble. If you resist arrest with violence, you’ll face even higher penalties.   Resisting Without Violence According to Florida Statute...

Florida Traffic Tickets and Your Driving Record

When you get pulled over for a moving violation, you may wonder what is going to happen to your driving record. Is it something that prospective employers can see? If you decide to fight a traffic ticket, either by taking it to court yourself or hiring an attorney,...

Why is being on probation more dangerous than you think?

When facing potential jail time, most defendants prefer to be placed on probation instead of going to jail. Probation comes with many stipulations that many defendants fail to consider. Before accepting an offer of probation, consider the following:  Florida Statute...

Misdemeanors and Felony Charges in Florida

Felonies and Misdemeanors differ in both the severity of the crime and of the penalties. Misdemeanors tend to be less severe crimes, so the punishments for these crimes tend to be lesser. The fines are relatively small, and you can only be held in jail for up to a...

What is the Penalty for First-Time DUI in Florida?

Driving Under the Influence (DUI), often referred to as “drunk driving,” is when a driver of a motor vehicle has a blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit, or their normal faculties are impaired by drugs or alcohol.  A DUI conviction in Florida comes with...

What is Disorderly Conduct?

In Florida, disorderly conduct is any behavior that disrupts a public space. Some common examples include making excessively loud noise, drunk and disorderly behavior, and fighting in the street. Florida Statute 877.03 defines disorderly conduct as acts that are of a...

Can You Lose Your License for Leaving the Scene of an Accident?

Under Florida law, it is a criminal offense for leaving the scene of an accident. Florida Statute 316.061 states that leaving the scene of an accident, also known as a “hit and run,” occurs when the driver of the vehicle involved in a crash resulting in damage to...

New Florida Law: Playing Loud or Excessive Music

On July 1, 2022, a Florida law went into effect that prohibits excessive music and other sounds from being played inside the vehicle. According to Florida Statute 316.3045, it is unlawful for any person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on a street or highway to...

What’s the Difference Between Assault & Battery in Florida?

Although assault and battery offenses in Florida are similar and are discussed together, they are two distinct criminal offenses. In Florida, the main difference between assault and battery is the absence or presence of physical contact. Assault is a verbal or...

News & Posts

FAQs

Trivia

Orlando, FL

711 N. Orlando Ave. Suite 302B, Maitland, FL 32751

Hours: By Appointment Only

Clearwater, FL

8200 Bryan Dairy Road Suite 340
Largo, FL 33777

Hours: By Appointment Only

407-500-4267

Send Us a Message!

More Contact Info

// // "UPixel" code from roger@printingwarehouses.com //