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Habitual Traffic Offenders

Individuals convicted of certain serious driving offenses such as DWLS (driving while license suspended) or DUI can be designated as habitual traffic offenders under Florida law. If you are classified as a habitual traffic offender, your driving privileges in the State of Florida can be revoked or suspended for a (5) five year period. Many people are surprised to learn that the HTO revocation can be eliminated if one or more of the underlying convictions are vacated or set aside by the court.

Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney if you received notice from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) that your driver’s license is about to be revoked as a “Habitual Traffic Offender.” In certain cases, even convictions that are less than two years old can be removed. Attorney Melinda Morris is experienced in helping her clients fight to remove the HTO designation.

St. Petersburg Habitual Traffic Offender Attorney

Melinda Morris is a former Pinellas County prosecutor who has handled hundreds of traffic cases. Now as a criminal defense attorney in the same county, she has insight into how to protect her clients against the damaging impact of a habitual traffic offender designation. Learn more about how your attorney can file motions to undo prior convictions that if lifted will remove the HTO revocation. 

Contact the Morris Law Firm, P.A. at (727) 592-5885 for a consultation about your habitual traffic offender case.

Florida Definition of Habitual Traffic Offenders

Under Chapter 322.264, a habitual traffic offender is defined as any individual who has three or more convictions within a five-year period, including:

  • A civil infraction for driving while license suspended without knowledge (DWLS);
  • Any criminal charge of driving a motor vehicle on a suspended or revoked license (DWLSR);
  • Driving under the influence (DUI);
  • Leaving the scene of an accident where someone was injured or killed;
  • Vehicular manslaughter;
  • Using a motor vehicle while committing any felony offense;
  • Driving a commercial vehicle with a suspended license; or
  • 15 convictions for traffic offense that fall under the Florida point system.

It is important to contact an attorney right away if you have been designated a habitual traffic offender because the punishment is to take away your license for five years. It is a significant hardship to be unable to drive for a few weeks let alone a few years. It is possible to get your license reinstated if you quickly speak to an experienced lawyer in Pinellas County, Florida about your HTO case.

How do people normally fall into the HTO category?

The most common way people get designated as habitual traffic offenders involves getting three (3) or more convictions for driving while your license is suspended or revoked within a five year period.

A conviction occurs if you pay the civil ticket because then you will be “adjudicated guilty.” In those cases, your attorney can petition the court to vacate or set aside the conviction. The court can then “withhold adjudication.” For the civil infraction of DWLS without knowledge, the withhold of adjudication will NOT count as an offense which causes the HTO status. The DHSMV will then remove the HTO status when it receives the amended sentencing order from the traffic court.

If you were charged with driving while license suspended with knowledge, this offense counts towards the HTO status regardless of whether the court adjudicates you to be guilty or withholds adjudication. In these cases, your attorney will fight to vacate the conviction by withdrawing the plea of guilty or no contest. If the prosecutor agrees to amend the charge to “no valid” license then that conviction will not count towards your HTO status.

Many people enter the plea without understanding how Florida’s HTO laws will impact their privilege to drive. In certain cases, it is possible to undo the damage in order to undo the five-year revocation.

Steps to take if you Received a Five Year HTO Notice

It is important to take care of an HTO notice as quickly as possible or else you will lose your driver’s license for 5 years. Follow these steps as soon as you receive notice that your license is about to be revoked for five years because of the habitual traffic offender designation.

  1. Obtain a copy of your Florida driving record.
  2. Contact an attorney with experience in filing motions to vacate or set aside one or more of the convictions.
  3. Retain an attorney to file and litigate the motion to vacate one or more of the convictions that caused the HTO revocation.
  4. In many cases, you have up to two years to petition the court to vacate a prior conviction, although ideally, your attorney should file the motion to vacate within 30 to 60 days of when the conviction occurred.
  5. In some cases, your attorney can also request an administrative records review hearing within 30 days after the revocation order was issued.

How to avoid an HTO designation under Florida Law

The best way to fight an HTO designation is to not acquire the status in the first place. First of all, if you think you may have a suspended driver’s license, find out the actual status of your driver’s license. If you do have a suspended license, do not drive. Even though it is inconvenient, arrange for someone else to drive you to your destinations until your driver’s license is reinstated. The best thing to do is to hire an attorney to try to take care of your suspended license so subsequent violations do not lead to an HTO revocation.

If you get any other type of traffic citations, do not enter a plea or pay the ticket. Instead, hire an attorney and fight the charges because, in many cases, the attorney will be able to provide a winning defense or fight for reduced charges. It is much cheaper to take care of minor traffic tickets then to take care of an HTO revocation when it is in full effect.

Morris Law Firm, P.A. | St. Petersburg Reckless Driving Defense Attorney

The Morris Law Firm, P.A. is committed to representing persons who are designated as habitual traffic offenders throughout Florida. If you currently have your license suspended for five years due to a habitual traffic offender designation in Pinellas County or St. Petersburg, contact the Morris Law Firm, P.A.. Talk with an experienced Pinellas County traffic lawyer. Our goal is to get some of your traffic violations dismissed so that you can get your license reinstated.

Meet The Attorneys Melinda Morris & Seth Shapiro

Why Choose Our Law Firm?

See the Difference Our Service Provides
  • FORMER STATE PROSECUTOR
    Melinda Morris is a former prosecutor and has handled thousands of criminal cases from investigation through sentencing enabling us to identify weaknesses in the State’s case against you.
  • STRATEGICALLY AGGRESSIVE
    We never settle for the easiest outcome or the typical result. We know how to negotiate with the State Attorney and we will work to get you the best possible outcome.
  • TRUSTED & EXPERIENCED
    Melinda Morris has practiced criminal law for over 20 years. Our clients trust advice that comes from experience in nearly every type of criminal case.
  • PERSONAL ATTENTION
    We will know every client’s story because we will take the time to listen and understand. You will work with your attorney one-on-one at every stage of the process.
  • PROMPT COMMUNICATION
    You will have the cell phone number of your attorney. Your attorney will directly return your call, email, or text to answer your pressing questions.
  • SAME DAY REPRESENTATION
    The government is wasting no time in trying to prove your guilt, a proactive defense is imperative. Prompt and decisive action from your defense attorney is of critical importance.

CLient Testimonials

Hear From Real People We've Helped

At Morris Law Firm, P.A., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Look no further than Morris Law"
    Seth Shapiro is the most professional, courteous, caring attorneys I’ve dealt with in all of my 70 years. He did a fabulous job representing me defending me and getting charges dropped. I couldn’t have dreamed of better counsel.
    - Stephen on AVVO
    "100% satisfied with Morris Law Group."
    100% satisfied with Morris law group. Melinda was able to resolve my legal issues with no additional expenses other than my original retainer. I highly recommend this firm for professional and competent representation.
    - Peter R. on Yelp
    "Best legal representation"
    If you want the best legal representation, look no further than Morris law firm. Melinda reassured me from the very first time we spoke over the phone. She is very professional and keeps you updated on the progress of your case. I really liked that I didn’t have to reach out to her Everything was smooth, straightforward and she put my mind at ease. You’ll be in good hands with her. Thank you Melinda
    - Hassan on Google
    "Thanks to The Morris Law Firm"
    Mr.Shapiro helped my case by looking at the police body cam diligently which supported my testimony . He presented evidence to the prosecutor .I hired Seth Shapiro to defend me after a domestic battery charge in which I was wrongfully accused and arrested. My case was dismissed thankfully. .Couldn't have asked for a better outcome. This was an extreme difficult time for me. Seth Shapiro was knowledgeable and compassionate in my case. He followed up with my concerns. I would highly recommend this firm.
    - Melody Z.
    "Goes above and beyond"
    Melinda has represented me on numerous cases and the outcome has always been great. Melinda goes above and beyond to defend your rights and get you the best possible outcome. I highly recommend hiring her.
    - Shasta on Google
    "They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful."
    Morris Law Firm is a very professional and responsive. They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful. Strongly recommend them especially Seth Shapiro. He decreased my case from felony to misdemeanor in short terms and during 6 months my case was totally closed.
    - Elina P. on Google