Orlando Criminal Traffic Attorney
Defending Your Rights When Facing Criminal Traffic Charges in Central Florida.
Get a Free ConsultationUnderstanding Criminal Traffic Offenses in Florida
In Florida, traffic violations are generally categorized as either civil infractions or criminal offenses. While a civil infraction (like a common speeding ticket) typically results in fines and points on your license, a criminal traffic offense is a much more serious matter. These offenses are prosecuted in criminal court and can lead to a permanent criminal record, significant fines, driver's license suspension or revocation, probation, and even jail time.
It's crucial to understand that criminal traffic charges are not mere "tickets." They are criminal accusations that require a robust legal defense. If you've been charged with any criminal traffic violation in Orlando or Central Florida, securing an experienced Criminal Traffic Attorney from Orlando is paramount to protecting your rights and future.
At Lotter Law, we leverage our deep understanding of Florida Statute Chapter 316 (State Uniform Traffic Control), the Florida Rules of Traffic Court, and local court procedures to build the strongest possible defense for our clients.
Common Criminal Traffic Offenses We Handle
Key Criminal Traffic Violations (Beyond DUI, LSOA, DWLS, Reckless Driving)
While offenses like DUI, Leaving the Scene of an Accident (LSOA), Driving While License Suspended (DWLS), and Reckless Driving are prominent criminal traffic charges with their own detailed pages on our site, Florida law outlines numerous other actions that can lead to criminal charges. These can include:
- Vehicular Homicide (F.S. 782.071): Causing the death of another by the reckless operation of a motor vehicle.
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer (F.S. 316.1935): Especially when involving high speed, reckless driving, or resulting in injury/death.
- Racing on Highways / Street Takeovers / Stunt Driving (F.S. 316.191): Including burnouts, doughnuts, drifting, or facilitating such events.
- Attaching Tag Not Assigned (F.S. 320.261): Knowingly attaching a license plate or validation sticker not assigned to the vehicle.
- Operating a Vehicle Without a Valid Registration (F.S. 320.02(1) - criminal if second or subsequent offense or involves fraud): While often a non-criminal infraction, repeat offenses or fraudulent intent can elevate this.
- No Valid Driver's License (Never Had One - F.S. 322.03): Driving without ever having obtained a driver's license.
- Violation of Driver's License Restrictions (F.S. 322.16): Such as "Business Purposes Only" or "To and From Work."
- Making a False Report of a Crash (F.S. 316.067): Knowingly giving false information in a crash report.
- Counterfeiting or Possessing Fictitious Motor Vehicle Registration (F.S. 319.33(4)): A serious felony offense.
- Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) - Driving as an HTO (F.S. 322.34(5)): A third-degree felony resulting from driving after accumulating specific convictions within 5 years.
This list is not exhaustive. Any traffic violation that is designated as a misdemeanor or felony under Florida law falls under the umbrella of criminal traffic offenses.
Understanding "Criminal" vs. "Civil" Traffic Offenses
The primary distinction lies in the potential penalties and the long-term consequences.
Civil Traffic Infractions (e.g., most speeding, running a stop sign):
- Typically result in fines and points on your license.
- Handled in traffic court, often with less formal procedures.
- Do not result in a criminal record.
Criminal Traffic Offenses:
- Can result in jail time, significant fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record.
- Prosecuted in criminal court with more formal procedures, following the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure and Florida Rules of Traffic Court (Part III for criminal offenses).
- Can impact employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status.
Potential Penalties and Long-Term Consequences
The penalties for criminal traffic offenses in Florida are serious and vary depending on the specific charge and any prior convictions. As outlined in Florida Statutes and Appendix C of the Florida Rules of Traffic Court, potential consequences include:
- Fines: Can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, plus court costs. (See Appendix C for specific violation codes and potential fine ranges/mandatory minimums where applicable).
- Jail/Prison: Misdemeanors can carry up to a year in county jail. Felonies can result in state prison sentences, sometimes with mandatory minimum terms.
- Driver's License Suspension/Revocation: Many criminal traffic offenses trigger mandatory license suspensions or revocations. The duration can range from months to a lifetime revocation for multiple serious offenses or HTO status. (See F.S. 322.28 for revocation details).
- Points on License: Convictions for moving violations, including criminal ones, add points to your driving record. Accumulating too many points results in suspension. (See F.S. 322.27).
- Probation: Often includes mandatory conditions such as reporting, community service, substance abuse evaluations/treatment, and driving schools.
- Vehicle Impoundment/Immobilization: Required for certain offenses like DUI.
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Mandatory for many DUI convictions.
- Permanent Criminal Record: This can significantly hinder future employment, housing, educational, and financial opportunities.
- Increased Insurance Rates: Insurance premiums can skyrocket, and you may be required to obtain expensive FR-44 or SR-22 insurance.
Statutory Enhancements
Florida law includes various enhancements that can increase penalties for criminal traffic offenses. For example:
- Prior Convictions: Repeat offenses for DUI, DWLS, or other serious violations lead to significantly harsher mandatory penalties.
- Serious Bodily Injury or Death: If a criminal traffic offense results in serious bodily injury or death to another person, the charges are often elevated to felonies with severe mandatory minimum prison sentences (e.g., Leaving the Scene with Death, DUI Manslaughter).
- Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) Status: As mentioned, driving as an HTO is a felony with serious penalties.
- Use of a Vehicle in Commission of a Felony: Can lead to enhanced sentencing.
Building a Strong Defense for Your Criminal Traffic Case
An arrest for a criminal traffic offense does not automatically mean a conviction. An experienced **Criminal Traffic Attorney Orlando** can analyze the specifics of your case to identify potential defenses. Common defense strategies include:
- Unlawful Stop or Detention: If law enforcement did not have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to stop or detain you.
- Lack of Probable Cause for Arrest: If the officer lacked sufficient evidence to make a lawful arrest.
- Miranda Rights Violations: If you were subjected to custodial interrogation without being properly advised of your Miranda rights.
- Challenging Evidence:
- For DUI: Issues with breathalyzer calibration/administration, blood draw procedures, or the reliability of Field Sobriety Tests.
- For other offenses: Inconsistencies in witness statements, lack of physical evidence, or problems with the chain of custody for evidence.
- Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove every element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. If they cannot meet this burden, you cannot be convicted.
- Misidentification: If there is doubt that you were the person who committed the offense.
- Lack of Knowledge (e.g., for DWLS): If you can demonstrate you were not properly notified that your license was suspended.
- Necessity or Emergency: In rare circumstances, arguing that the offense was committed to prevent a greater harm.
- Procedural Errors: Mistakes made by law enforcement or the court during the investigation or prosecution of your case.
- Clerical Errors: Mistakes in DMV records or court documents that led to an invalid suspension or erroneous charge.
The Florida Rules of Traffic Court, particularly Part III (Criminal Offenses - Rules 6.160 through 6.310), and the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure outline the legal framework for these cases, including requirements for complaints, summons, pleas, and trial procedures. An attorney familiar with these rules is essential.
Critical Information for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Holders
If you hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), any criminal traffic conviction, even in your personal vehicle, can have devastating consequences for your career. Florida and federal laws impose much stricter standards and harsher penalties on CDL holders. (See F.S. 322.61, 322.62, and 49 C.F.R. Part 383).
- Lower BAC Limits: For DUI, a BAC of .04% or higher while operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) results in disqualification. Even a BAC of .00 while operating a CMV can lead to an out-of-service order.
- "No Refusal" Consequences: Refusing a chemical test while operating a CMV or in connection with a DUI in any vehicle leads to CDL disqualification.
- Major Offenses: Convictions for offenses such as DUI (in any vehicle), leaving the scene of an accident, using any vehicle in the commission of a felony, driving a CMV while your CDL is revoked/suspended/canceled, or causing a fatality through negligent operation of a CMV can lead to a 1-year CDL disqualification for a first offense (3 years if transporting hazardous materials). A second major offense results in a **lifetime CDL disqualification**.
- Serious Traffic Violations: Accumulating two "serious traffic violations" (e.g., speeding 15 mph or more over the limit, reckless driving, improper lane change, following too closely, driving a CMV without a CDL) within a 3-year period results in a 60-day CDL disqualification. Three such violations result in a 120-day disqualification.
- Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Violations: Specific violations at railroad crossings while operating a CMV lead to CDL disqualification.
- Out-of-Service Order Violations: Driving while under an out-of-service order results in significant penalties and CDL disqualification.
- No Withholding Adjudication for Most Offenses: Generally, CDL holders are NOT eligible for a "withhold of adjudication" for traffic offenses committed in any vehicle, which means a conviction will be entered, triggering potential disqualifications and points.
- Reporting Requirements: CDL holders have strict reporting requirements to their employers and home state DMV for out-of-state convictions.
Losing your CDL can mean losing your livelihood. If you are a CDL holder facing any criminal traffic charge, it is absolutely critical to consult with an **Orlando Criminal Traffic Attorney** who has experience with CDL-specific implications.
Body Worn Camera (BWC) Footage & Advanced Video Analysis
Body Worn Camera (BWC) footage has become a standard and often critical piece of evidence in traffic stop cases. It should capture the interaction between you and law enforcement from the moment of the stop through the arrest. This video provides a visual record that can either corroborate or contradict officer testimony and reports.
Merely watching the video isn't enough. A thorough defense requires meticulous analysis. At Lotter Law, we go beyond simply viewing the footage. We utilize professional video editing software, specifically Adobe Premiere Pro, to conduct in-depth analysis of BWC recordings.
Why Professional Video Editing Matters in DUI Defense
- Frame-by-Frame Review: Allows for precise examination of key moments, such as searches, interviews, interactions, and procedural steps.
- Highlighting Inconsistencies: Makes it easier to identify discrepancies between the officer's written report/testimony and the actual events captured on video.
- Analyzing Officer Demeanor: Can reveal cues about the officer's training, bias, or adherence to protocol.
- Creating Exhibits: Enables the creation of clear, focused video clips to present as evidence in court or negotiations, demonstrating specific points of your defense.
- Identifying Missing Footage or Gaps: Helps detect potential issues with the recording itself.
Leveraging Jeff Lotter's experience from being on the "other side" of the camera, combined with detailed video analysis using industry-standard tools, allows us to uncover details that can be crucial to challenging the State's evidence and building a robust defense for your DUI case.
Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Traffic Attorney in Orlando
Facing criminal traffic charges without skilled legal representation is a significant risk. The State has experienced prosecutors dedicated to securing convictions. You need an equally dedicated and knowledgeable advocate in your corner. At Lotter Law, our **Criminal Traffic Attorney Orlando** team will:
- Conduct a Thorough Investigation: We meticulously review all evidence, including police reports, witness statements, video footage (Body Worn Camera, dashcam), and technical data from any tests performed.
- Identify All Viable Defenses: We scrutinize every aspect of your case for potential defenses, from the legality of the initial traffic stop to the procedures followed during your arrest and testing.
- Negotiate Skillfully with Prosecutors: We will engage with the State Attorney's Office to seek a reduction or dismissal of charges, or an alternative resolution that minimizes the impact on your life.
- Represent You Vigorously in Court: If your case proceeds to hearings or trial, we will provide strong, assertive representation, challenging the prosecution's evidence and presenting your defense effectively.
- Protect Your Driving Privileges: We understand the importance of your driver's license and will fight to prevent or minimize any suspension or revocation, including representing you at DMV administrative hearings.
- Clearly Explain Your Options: We ensure you understand the charges against you, the potential consequences, and all available legal options, empowering you to make informed decisions.
- Work to Minimize Penalties: If a conviction is unavoidable, we strive to achieve the most favorable sentencing outcome, arguing for reduced fines, alternatives to jail, and other mitigating factors.
- Navigate Complex Court Rules: We are proficient in the Florida Rules of Traffic Court and the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, ensuring all procedural requirements are met and your rights are upheld throughout the legal process.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Jeff Lotter
Attorney | Founder
An experienced Orlando attorney, Jeff brings more than two decades of front-line law enforcement and legal experience to every case. As a former Florida State Trooper and Orange County Deputy Sheriff, he offers clients a powerful advantage: insider knowledge of police procedures and prosecution strategies. Now solely dedicated to criminal defense, Jeff—a Military Veteran —approaches the courtroom as a battlefield. You, the client, are the General; Jeff is the battlefield commander executing your mission. Grounded in his Christian faith and committed to protecting freedom, Jeff sees every case as an opportunity to push back against government overreach and defend the individual against unjust intrusion. Married for over 20 years with two children, he brings the same unwavering dedication to protecting your rights as he does to his own family.
Stacy Sanchez
Senior Legal Assistant
Since beginning her legal career in 2014, Stacy has brought unwavering dedication to the field of criminal defense. She joined Lotter Law in 2021 and has since become an integral part of the team, known for her reliability, compassion, and sharp attention to detail. Originally from New York and raised in Orlando, Stacy blends tenacity with a warm, client-centered approach. Driven by a deep desire to help others, she believes every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect—especially during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Her strong family values guide her empathetic communication and relentless work ethic. With over a decade of experience and a genuine passion for criminal defense, Stacy continues to make a meaningful impact every day at Lotter Law.
Marissa Rodriguez
Legal Assistant
Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, Marissa joined the firm in 2022 with a strong passion for criminal defense. She has become a valued member of the team, known for her strong work ethic, and dedication to client service. Graduating at the top of her class, Marissa brings both academic excellence and practical experience to her role. Her hardworking and reliable nature ensures that every case is handled with care and precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes “driving while license suspended” a criminal charge?
If you knew—or should have known—that your license was suspended, the offense is a criminal misdemeanor under § 322.34(2), punishable by up to 60 days in jail for a first conviction. Driving on a second or subsequent suspension, or as a Habitual Traffic Offender, can raise it to a first‑degree misdemeanor or even a felony.
Can reckless driving send me to jail?
Yes. Reckless driving—a willful or wanton disregard for safety—is a second‑degree misdemeanor. Penalties start at up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine for a first conviction, with mandatory adjudication and possible driver‑improvement school.
Is “racing on highways” a serious crime?
Very. Street racing under § 316.191 is a first‑degree misdemeanor. Even a passenger can be charged. A conviction triggers a mandatory one‑year license revocation, possible vehicle impound, and fines starting at $500. Second offenses carry 10‑day vehicle impoundment and mandatory jail.
Will fixing my license issues get my DWLS case dismissed?
Presenting proof of reinstatement often persuades prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges, but dismissal is not automatic—especially if you have prior DWLS convictions. Having an attorney present the compliance and negotiate terms greatly improves the odds.
What counts as “leaving the scene” for a hit‑and‑run?
Florida law requires you to stop, exchange information, and render aid after a crash. Failing to do so—even in a fender‑bender—can be a second‑degree misdemeanor if only property damage occurred, or a felony if there’s injury or death. The duty applies even on private property and in parking lots.
Do I need a lawyer for a criminal traffic ticket?
Because the charge is criminal, a conviction creates a permanent record, possible jail time, and DMV points that can trigger a suspension. An experienced defense attorney can challenge the stop, negotiate reductions, or seek dismissal—often saving you from hidden costs like insurance hikes and employment hurdles.
Arrested for a Criminal Traffic Offense in Orlando?
Your rights, license, and future are at stake. Contact Lotter Law, your dedicated **Criminal Traffic Attorney Orlando**, for a free and confidential consultation.
Or, reach us directly:
Law Office of Jeff Lotter PLLC | 200 E Robinson St Suite 1140, Orlando, FL 32801