Tampa Traffic Ticket Lawyers
Require Assistance with a Traffic Ticket? Call Musca Law’s Traffic Violation Attorneys in Tampa 24/7 at 1-813-362-5623 for a free consultation.
Frequently, individuals underestimate the significance of traffic offenses and opt to pay the fine to avoid complications. However, a traffic violation can result in negative marks on your driving record, mandatory traffic school, increased insurance rates, and more. If left unattended, a traffic offense can lead to substantial financial losses, suspension of your driver's license, and even imprisonment. Moreover, a conviction stays on your permanent record and can adversely affect future employment prospects, admission to educational institutions, and other opportunities. Safeguard yourself with the support of our skilled traffic offense attorneys in Tampa, Florida. If you have received a ticket or been arrested for reckless driving, call (813) 362-5623.
Dedicated Advocacy for Your Best Interests
At Musca Law, our team of criminal defense lawyers possesses extensive collective experience in assisting individuals who find themselves on the wrong side of the law. We possess comprehensive knowledge of the intricate traffic violation laws in Florida. Allow us to utilize our skills and expertise to assist you.
We handle various traffic offenses, including:
- Moving violations
- Reckless driving
- Suspended licenses
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Failure to stop
- Driving without a license
- DUI manslaughter
- Hit-and-run incidents
Traffic offenses carry different levels of consequences. If you face charges, it is crucial to secure competent legal representation. The prosecution will build a case against you. Don't let them prevail.
Involvement in a Motor Vehicle Collision Resulting in Injuries and/or Death
Florida Statute Title XXIII Chapter 316.062 mandates that any driver involved in an accident or responsible for causing one must remain at the scene, provide necessary assistance, and render medical aid if required. They should also be prepared to exchange information with the victims and law enforcement officials.
As outlined in Florida State Title XXIII Chapter 316.027(2)(a-e), drivers must stop their vehicles at or near the crash site to fulfill this obligation.
Failure to render aid or fleeing the scene can result in various penalties, depending on the severity of the crash and any prior violations:
Chapter 316.027(2a): If a victim sustains non-life-threatening injuries in a motor vehicle accident, the driver must remain at or near the crash site. Violating this law constitutes a 3rd-degree felony, punishable by a $5,000 fine and/or a prison sentence of up to 5 years.
Chapter 316.027(2b): If a victim suffers severe injuries in a motor vehicle accident, the driver must remain at or near the crash site. Failing to comply with this law is a 2nd-degree felony, punishable by a $10,000 fine and/or a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
Chapter 316.027(2c): If a victim dies as a result of an accident, the driver must stay at the scene and cooperate with law enforcement. Failing to comply with this law is a 1st-degree felony, punishable by a $10,000 fine and/or a prison sentence of up to 30 years. If the driver has a previous charge of leaving the scene of a crime, they will be detained until arresting officers arrive.
Under Chapter 316.027(2d), drivers who violate sections 2a, b, or c are required to provide restitution to the victims or their families for the damages and losses incurred during the accident. Additionally, the court may suspend the culprit's driver's license for three years, with the possibility of reinstatement if no further violations are committed.
Involvement in a Motor Vehicle Collision Resulting in Vehicle or Property Damage
Title XXIII Chapter 316.061(1-3) stipulates that any driver involved in an accident causing damage to vehicles or property must remain at the scene. Failing to comply with this law results in a 2nd-degree misdemeanor charge, punishable by a $500 fine and/or imprisonment for up to 60 days. Additionally, the culprit may be charged an extra $5 fine, which will be allocated to the Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund.
As per Chapter 316.061(2), all stops should be made without obstructing oncoming traffic to the extent necessary for the convenience of law enforcement officers. The responsible party must also make an effort to move their vehicle as far out of the way of traffic as possible. Failure to adhere to this rule constitutes a nonmoving traffic violation.
While law enforcement officials are responsible for clearing roadways, drivers who caused the crash will not be penalized if they assist in removing their vehicles or another motor vehicle from the roadway to facilitate the investigation.
Failure to Comply with Traffic Control Signals
Florida Statute Title XXIII Chapter 316.075(4) states that any driver who disregards traffic control signals or pedestrian control signs will be charged with either a pedestrian violation or a vehicle infraction related to operating a vehicle during the crash.
For detailed information on traffic signals, please refer to Chapter 316.075(1-3).
Reckless Driving and Noncompliance with Related Laws
Florida Statute Title XXIII Chapter 316.082(1-3) dictates that motorists must pass each other on the right-hand side, providing at least half of the lane width as a courtesy to the vehicle being passed. Failure to comply with this law results in a charge of noncriminal traffic infraction, as specified in Chapter 318. It's important to note that Chapter 316.085 explicitly prohibits passing until the driver has ensured that no other vehicle is approaching or attempting to pass and that the maneuver can be safely executed by both drivers involved. Reckless driving charges and the designation of "habitual traffic offender" can significantly impact individuals' lives in Florida.
Following a Vehicle Too Closely
Florida Statute Title XXIII Chapter 316.0895(1-2) prohibits drivers from tailgating or following another vehicle at an unsafe distance, displaying due regard for the speed of vehicles and traffic on major roadways. The same statute mandates that operators of trucks towing trailers or equipment must not follow within at least 300 feet of another vehicle transporting the same cargo. Violating this law constitutes a noncriminal traffic infraction, classified as a moving violation according to Chapter 318.
Reckless Driving
According to Florida Statute Title XXIII Chapter 316.192(1a), individuals who drive recklessly and carelessly without regard for other motorists or property are guilty of reckless driving. The penalties for this offense depend on the severity of the crime:
1st Conviction: Punishable by a prison term of up to 90 days and/or a fine ranging from $25 to $500.
2nd Conviction (or subsequent convictions): Punishable by a prison term of up to 6 months and/or a fine ranging from $50 to $1,000.
Causing bodily harm or property damage while committing reckless driving leads to a 3rd-degree felony charge, carrying a prison sentence of up to 5 years and/or a fine not exceeding $5,000.
Driving under the Influence of Drugs
Florida Statute Title XXIII Chapter 316.193 states that any individual operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or prohibited substances listed in Chapter 877.111 or 893, impairing their faculties, will be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). Depending on the number of prior offenses, the driver will face different penalties:
1st Conviction: Imprisonment for 6 months and/or a fine between $500 and $1,000.
2nd Conviction: Imprisonment for 9 months and/or a fine between $1,000 and $2,000.
A 3rd DUI conviction is a 3rd-degree felony, punishable by a $5,000 fine and/or imprisonment for up to 5 years. If the conviction occurs more than 10 years after the first conviction, the individual will be imprisoned for 12 months and fined between $2,000 and $5,000.
Subsequent violations of this law result in 3rd-degree felony charges, with a fine of no less than $2,000.
Using a Suspended or Revoked Driver's License
Florida Statute Title XXIII Chapter 322.32 stipulates that displaying or intending to display a driver's license that has been suspended, revoked, or canceled (knowingly disregarding its invalid status) is a 2nd-degree misdemeanor offense. The punishment includes a $500 fine and/or imprisonment for up to 60 days.
The following criteria determine if a person commits this crime:
- The court has previously suspended or revoked the driver's license.
- The culprit was aware of the license's suspension or received notice of its cancellation.
- It is illegal to lend the license to another person.
Committing Vehicular Homicide
According to Florida Statute Title XLVI Chapter 782.071, vehicular homicide occurs when a person kills another human being or an unborn child by operating a motor vehicle in a dangerous manner that could cause someone's death. Those responsible for such deaths face the following penalties:
2nd-degree felony: Punishable by a fine of $10,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
1st-degree felony: Punishable by a fine of $10,000 to $15,000 and/or a prison sentence ranging from 30 years to life.
Keep in mind that the person will be charged based on whether they should have known the accident occurred and/or failed to render aid to the victims during the crash.
Apart from the aforementioned punishments, the court may order the offender(s) to complete 120 hours of community service in trauma centers or hospitals that frequently admit victims of vehicular accidents. These activities will be supervised by registered nurses, ER doctors, or other medical technicians registered to work with these community programs.
Additionally, Florida Statute Title XLVI Chapter 782.09 defines the killing of a child by causing injury to the mother (a form of vehicular manslaughter) as "murder" of the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree, depending on the severity of the crime.
Establishing a Valid Case for Vehicular Homicide
According to Florida Statutes Chapter XLVI, § 782.071 or § 782.072, members of the court must prove beyond any doubt that:
- The victim died.
- An unborn child died due to its mother's injuries.
- A vehicle was the instrument of death.
- The defendant acted recklessly.
Trustworthy Tampa Traffic Offense Lawyers You Can Rely On
Our legal team at Musca Law is unafraid to go head-to-head with the prosecution. We approach each case as if it were going to trial. To us, you are more than just a case number. We take the time to understand your situation and provide the best possible assistance. We have successfully helped numerous clients reduce their traffic offenses or have them dismissed altogether.
Located at 625 East Twiggs Street, Suite 1000, Unit 117, Tampa, FL 33602, our dedicated team is ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and develop a personalized defense strategy tailored to your unique situation. We understand the emotional turmoil you are experiencing and will treat your case with the sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect it deserves.
Don't let the fear of what lies ahead paralyze you. Now is the time to take control of your future and fight for your rights. Call Musca Law, P.A. today at (813) 362-5623 to schedule a confidential consultation with our experienced and compassionate attorneys. Let us be your guiding light through this storm, and together, we will navigate the path to justice and redemption.
Tampa Office
Musca Law
625 East Twiggs Street, Suite 1000, Unit 117
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 362-5623