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Tampa Criminal Traffic Violations Protecting Your Driving Record and Your Future

Tampa Criminal Traffic Violation Lawyers

Being charged with a criminal traffic violation is stressful and overwhelming. However, the right attorney can make all the difference. You need someone with a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Florida traffic laws. You also want a lawyer who will be attentive to your concerns and questions and provide a highly personalized defense. 

At Florida Ticket Firm, you can get all these things. Our Tampa criminal traffic violation lawyers have served countless clients and are ready to help you tackle your charges, regardless of their complexity or urgency. We recognize the impacts a criminal conviction could have on your life. That is why you can expect us to work tirelessly to protect you. 

Discuss your charges and how we can serve you in a free consultation. Schedule yours by calling (813) 565-3353 or getting in touch with us online. Our firm can support Spanish speakers. Se habla Español.

Civil vs. Criminal Traffic Tickets in Tampa: What Are the Differences? 

Civil Traffic Tickets

Civil traffic tickets are issued for minor offenses like speeding, failing to yield, or running a stop sign. They do not carry criminal penalties but still result in fines, license points, and potentially even a license suspension. Visit our Tampa Traffic Ticket Lawyer page for further information. 

Criminal Traffic Tickets

Criminal traffic tickets are issued for more serious offenses like DUI, reckless driving, or leaving the scene of an accident (hit-and-run). These violations come with criminal penalties, such as jail time, probation, and community service. Plus, a conviction will go on your record. If you have been arrested for a criminal traffic violation, seeking legal representation is crucial.

Criminal Traffic Cases We Handle in Tampa

Our Tampa criminal traffic violation lawyers have extensive experience defending clients against all Florida criminal traffic offenses, including the following: 

  • DUI in Tampa: These charges often involve complex evidence collection, such as field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results, which require detailed scrutiny to ensure accuracy and fairness.
  • Reckless Driving: Defined by willful disregard for safety, this charge can be subjective and necessitates a thorough investigation into the circumstances to challenge potentially biased assessments.
  • Driving with a Suspended License: Understanding the reasons for suspension and negotiating for restoration of your license can be pivotal in resolving such allegations favorably.
  • Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Hit-and-Run): Such charges can dramatically escalate consequences if not handled adeptly, including the potential enhancement of penalties if injuries occurred.
  • Driving Without a Valid License: Legal strategies may involve showing valid reasons for the lapse and pursuing avenues to prevent further legal trouble.
  • Altering or Covering a License Plate or Validation Sticker: Often involving misinterpretations, these charges demand a detailed presentation of evidence to clear misunderstandings.
  • Failing to Register a Vehicle: This can often be resolved by demonstrating administrative errors or compliance with registration requirements.
  • Odometer Tampering: Such violations can have severe implications, including civil penalties and litigation, thus requiring a knowledgeable defense approach.
  • Drag Racing: Charges for this serious offense can include hefty fines and loss of driving privileges, emphasizing the need for an aggressive legal defense to mitigate impacts.

In each instance, our mission is to provide a robust defense that considers all factors of the alleged offense, mitigates penalties, and helps clients regain control over their future. Our client-focused strategies are designed to address not just the immediate legal challenges but also any lasting effects that a criminal traffic charge might impose.

Potential Penalties for Criminal Traffic Violations in Tampa

​In Tampa, Florida, criminal traffic violations can lead to severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and lasting impacts on one's criminal record. Such violations are typically categorized as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the offense's gravity.​

Misdemeanor Traffic Offenses:

  • Second-Degree Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 60 days in jail and fines reaching $500.​
  • First-Degree Misdemeanor: Carries penalties of up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000.​

Felony Traffic Offenses:

  • Third-Degree Felony: May result in up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000.​
  • Second-Degree Felony: Punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching $10,000.​
  • First-Degree Felony: Can lead to imprisonment for up to 30 years and fines up to $10,000.​

Specific offenses, such as a third DUI offense or vehicular manslaughter, are often classified as felonies due to their severity. 

Beyond fines and imprisonment, convictions for criminal traffic violations can result in additional consequences, including points on one's driver's license, increased insurance rates, community service requirements, and a permanent mark on one's criminal record.

It's important to note that criminal traffic offenses necessitate a mandatory court appearance. Individuals charged will receive notification via U.S. mail detailing their arraignment hearing date. 

Given the complexities and potential repercussions associated with criminal traffic violations, consulting with a knowledgeable attorney is advisable to navigate the legal process effectively and explore possible defenses. ​

Steps to Take After Being Charged with a Criminal Traffic Violation

The first step after receiving a traffic violation in Tampa is to carefully read the ticket, noting the date, time, and location of the violation, as well as any instructions regarding payment or court appearances. It's crucial to understand whether the ticket is civil or criminal, as this will dictate the necessary response. For criminal violations, seeking immediate legal counsel is advised since these carry more severe penalties. Document any pertinent details or witness information that might assist in challenging the ticket.

Responding promptly to the ticket is essential to avoid additional penalties, such as fines or license suspension. In Tampa, as in all of Florida, ignoring a ticket or failing to appear in court can result in a default judgment against you. Legal representation from Florida Ticket Firm can help guide you through this process, ensuring that all legal deadlines are met and that your rights are fully protected from the outset.

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What to Expect When You Hire a Traffic Attorney in Tampa 

Should you trust your charges with Florida Ticket Firm, you can first expect to participate in a free initial consultation. We can conduct these meetings virtually or in person at our Tampa office, which is centrally located in Downtown Tampa on North Pierce Street. The consultation gives you the opportunity to learn about your charges and legal options, meet our team, and discuss the next steps for partnering with us. 

Should you elect to move forward with our firm, you can expect:

Clear & Consistent Communication   

Good communication is foundational for everything we do. That is why we will go to great lengths to make certain you are well-informed at all stages of your charges. Should you have questions, count on us to deliver answers when you need them. 

Tailored Advice for Traffic Defense   

Our services will be all about you. In fact, we take pride in providing representation that puts clients at the forefront. Your concerns and goals will be paramount to our team. 

Dedicated Representation in Tampa 

We are not afraid to fight for our clients' rights and do everything in our power to secure the best possible outcomes. We have extensive experience negotiating with prosecutors and navigating complex legal matters. Ours is a dedicated approach you can depend on from start to finish. 

Consult a Tampa Criminal Traffic Violation Attorney

If you or a loved one has been charged with a traffic crime, make Florida Ticket Firm your first call. We stand ready to hear your story and begin working to protect your driving privileges and minimize the impact of your charges. 

Start with us by calling (813) 565-3353 or submitting our online contact form.

  • Client-Centered Approach

    At Florida Ticket Firm, we prioritize communication and personal service. We keep you informed at every stage of your case and take the time to address your concerns with understanding and empathy.

  • Trusted Experience
    With over one million tickets collectively contested, Florida Ticket Firm has the experience and in-depth knowledge needed to protect your driving record.
  • Protecting Your Future
    Traffic tickets can lead to steep insurance hikes, mandatory traffic school, and points on your license. We fight tirelessly to minimize or eliminate these consequences, ensuring your driving privileges remain intact and your financial burden is reduced.
  • Convenience and Peace of Mind
    Fighting a traffic ticket can be time-consuming and stressful. When you hire Florida Ticket Firm, we take the burden off your shoulders by managing everything—from court appearances to legal filings—so you can focus on what matters most.
  • Free Consultations
    Don’t let a traffic ticket derail your plans. Contact Florida Ticket Firm for a free consultation and let us guide you toward the best possible resolution.
  • Hablamos Español
    At Florida Ticket Firm, we proudly offer legal services in Spanish to ensure every client feels understood and supported.

The Opinions That Matter most

Read Our Client Reviews
    "So easy to work with and they went above and beyond my expectations!"
    I wish I had found them earlier, they could have saved me a bunch of heartache. I couldn't find anyone to care about my ticket unless there was extreme physical damage involved. Thank you Florida Ticket Firm, you're the best!
    Christina S.
    "Couldn't have been more pleased with the outcome!"
    I reached out to Florida Ticket Firm and they got my charges DISMISSED. Beyond happy!
    Kathleen C.
    "I couldn’t ask for more."
    I had great pleasure working with Florida Ticket Firm, everything was handled with minimum effort from my end, they patiently answered all of my questions and concerns, I couldn’t ask for more. My ticket is completely dismissed in the end, this wouldn’t have happened without their professional help, thank you!
    Arpat A.
    "100% recommend these guys."

    Got a small speeding ticket and I didn't want this to have an impact to my clean driving record. Contacted Florida Ticket Firm and they got me a withholding and that is exactly what I wanted. Good communication and SUPER easy process. 100% recommend these guys.

    Joe R.
    "They handled everything."
    I had a great experience with Florida Ticket Firm! My first time having ever used an attorney to represent me, and I am definitely satisfied.
    Erica
    "I'm so grateful for Florida Ticket Firm!"
    They were very kind and made me feel like my case was important to them - and that was super important for me!
    Barbara H.
    "Highly recommend using Florida Ticket Firm!"

    They did a great job of me saving money from a speeding ticket! They not only helped me save money but the case was dismissed as well.

    Sam N.
    "Hire them, you won’t regret it."

    Florida Ticket Firm is the best. I’ll just say I got a REALLY bad speeding ticket and they got it completely dismissed with no conviction. They saved me from points on my license, an insurance hike and possibly me losing my job.

    Jeremy M.

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