Losing your driving privileges in Florida can turn your life upside down, creating significant hurdles for your job, education, and personal responsibilities. The laws surrounding driver's license suspensions and revocations are intricate and can be overwhelming to face alone.
At Lotter Law, we specialize in demystifying this complex legal terrain. We provide experienced guidance and robust representation for individuals seeking to restore their Florida driver's license. Whether your license is at risk due to point accumulation, a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) designation, DUI-related issues, or other violations, our team is equipped to help you understand your situation and fight for your driving privileges.
Regaining your Florida driver's license often requires a strategic legal approach. At Lotter Law, we combine Jeff Lotter's invaluable experience as a former Florida State Trooper and Deputy Sheriff with a meticulous, data-informed analysis of similar cases. This unique combination allows us to craft effective strategies tailored to your specific circumstances. We focus on:
Our primary objective is to chart the clearest and most effective course to get you legally back behind the wheel as swiftly as circumstances permit.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) enforces a wide range of regulations that can lead to the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges. These are primarily outlined in Florida Statutes Chapter 322. Understanding the specific section of the law that triggered your suspension is the critical first step in formulating a strategy for reinstatement.
The reasons for suspension are diverse, each with its own set of rules, penalties, and reinstatement procedures. This complexity is why seeking experienced legal counsel is often essential.
The following are common scenarios leading to license suspension under Florida law. Lotter Law helps you understand these complex situations and identify potential avenues for resolution and reinstatement.
DUI convictions (s. 316.193, s. 322.26, s. 322.28) or refusal to submit to chemical testing (s. 322.2615) trigger complex administrative and court-ordered license sanctions. These involve distinct processes with the DHSMV and the criminal courts. Lotter Law provides clarity by managing both aspects, representing clients in DMV administrative reviews and the related criminal proceedings to safeguard driving privileges.
Florida's point system (s. 322.27) can lead to suspensions if thresholds (e.g., 12 points in 12 months) are met. More severe is the Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) designation from three major violations or 15 moving violations in 5 years, resulting in a 5-year revocation (s. 322.264). Lotter Law helps clients understand these critical thresholds, provides strategic defense against point-carrying citations, and has proven experience in challenging HTO designations or seeking hardship reinstatements to navigate this significant penalty.
Operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license (s. 322.34) is a distinct criminal offense that can result in further license sanctions, new criminal charges, and contribute towards HTO status. Lotter Law meticulously examines the basis for the DWLSR charge, including the validity of the initial suspension and the State's ability to prove knowledge, while working to resolve the underlying issues that led to the suspension in the first place.
License suspension can result from failure to pay traffic fines or court costs, or non-compliance with court orders (s. 322.245). Separately, delinquent child support obligations can also trigger suspensions (s. 322.058). Lotter Law assists clients in understanding the specific requirements to clear these financial holds, liaising with court clerks and relevant agencies to pave the way for license reinstatement.
Florida law mandates license revocation for certain drug offense convictions (s. 322.055), and also if a vehicle is used in the commission of any felony (s. 322.26(3)), which can include drug felonies. As part of a comprehensive criminal defense strategy, Lotter Law defends clients against the primary drug charges, with a key goal being the prevention or mitigation of the often-automatic license revocation consequences.
Severe license consequences, including revocation, arise from failing to stop and render aid after a crash involving injury or death (s. 322.26(4)), or from convictions for traffic offenses that cause death or serious bodily injury (s. 322.27(1)(b), s. 322.28(4)). Lotter Law provides experienced defense in these high-stakes situations, focusing on protecting both your freedom and your driving privileges by challenging the elements of the alleged offenses.
Florida's "Zero Tolerance" law means drivers under 21 with a blood-alcohol or breath-alcohol level of 0.02 or higher face administrative license suspension (s. 322.2616). Lotter Law represents young drivers in these administrative hearings, scrutinizing the stop, the testing procedure, and all evidence to protect their future driving record.
Actions such as making false statements on a license application (s. 322.33), or any unlawful or fraudulent use of a driver's license (s. 322.212, s. 322.27(1)(d)), can lead to license cancellation, suspension, and even criminal charges. Lotter Law defends individuals accused of these offenses, addressing both the license implications with the DHSMV and any parallel criminal proceedings.
Chapter 322 details numerous other scenarios that can trigger license sanctions. These include, but are not limited to, convictions for any felony where a motor vehicle is used (s. 322.26(3)), accumulating three reckless driving convictions within 12 months (s. 322.26(6)), or a determination by the DHSMV that a driver is incompetent to operate a vehicle safely (s. 322.27(1)(c)). Lotter Law analyzes the specific statute and facts of each case to build a defense, particularly when these suspensions are linked to underlying criminal or traffic charges.
Lotter Law is dedicated to providing effective legal representation for a wide range of driver's license issues. However, to ensure we provide the most value, it's important to understand where our specialized services are most impactful.
We primarily focus on license suspensions and revocations that are linked to traffic offenses, criminal charges, point accumulations, HTO status, and DUI-related matters. These are areas where legal strategy, negotiation, and courtroom advocacy can significantly influence outcomes.
There are certain administrative suspensions that may have more direct resolution paths with the DHSMV or other agencies. These include:
Unsure if your situation fits? Schedule a consultation. We can quickly help you understand the nature of your suspension. If it's a matter where our legal expertise can make a difference, we'll explain how. If it's a more direct administrative fix, we'll guide you to the right resources. Our goal is to provide honest, effective advice.
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.
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.
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.
200 E Robinson St Suite 1140
Orlando, FL 32801
Serving Central Florida, including Orange County.
Get DirectionsThe path to license reinstatement can be confusing. Let Lotter Law provide the clarity and experienced representation you need. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your specific situation and explore your options.
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Law Office of Jeff Lotter PLLC | 200 E Robinson St Suite 1140, Orlando, FL 32801