Florida Woman Caught Speeding, Driving Without a License

Speeding down a Florida highway may seem like a lot of fun but if you are caught by police, you could end up in legal trouble. This is especially true if you drive without a license.
This is the situation for a Florida woman. A 21-year-old woman is facing criminal charges after authorities say she was caught driving without a valid license. She was seen traveling at extremely high speeds on a South Florida highway on the morning of April 20.
According to an arrest report, the incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on the Palmetto Expressway near Northwest 67th Avenue. That was when a state trooper observed a black sedan moving at a high rate of speed. The vehicle, a Volkswagen Jetta, was clocked at 100 mph in a 55 mph zone.
After initiating a traffic stop, the trooper determined that the driver did not have a valid driver’s license and was only carrying a state-issued identification card. A subsequent inventory of the vehicle revealed prior citations for similar offenses issued in March.
The woman, from Brandon, is a student at Florida International University. She was taken into police custody and later appeared in bond court. During the hearing, her attorney challenged the charges, and the judge ultimately ordered pre-trial supervision in lieu of setting a monetary bond. The judge also cautioned the driver about the dangers of excessive speeding.
Consequences of Driving Without a License in Florida
Driving without a valid license in Florida can lead to serious legal and financial consequences, especially if it’s not your first offense or involves additional violations.
Criminal penalties include:
- First offense (no valid license): This is typically a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine up to $500.
- Repeat offenses: Penalties increase, and courts are more likely to impose jail time. A third conviction for this offense requires a mandatory 10 days in jail.
- Driving while license suspended, canceled, or revoked: This can escalate to a first-degree misdemeanor or even a felony if you are classified as a habitual traffic offender.
Fines and fees are also a possibility. You may face court fines, administrative fees, and costs to reinstate your driving privileges. Additional penalties can stack if speeding, reckless driving, or other violations are involved.
Vehicle consequences may also apply. Law enforcement may impound your vehicle, especially if you are a repeat offender.
In addition, there is a long-term impact to consider. A conviction creates a criminal record, which can affect employment and insurance rates. You may face extended license suspensions or delays in getting a valid license.
Contact Us Today
It is necessary to have a valid license when driving. Whether you have never been issued a license, your license has been suspended, or it has expired, driving without a valid license can result in significant legal consequences.
If you have been arrested for such a crime, contact a Fort Myers driving without a valid license attorney from Hollander & Hanuka. We can help you understand the charges you are facing as well as the potential consequences of a conviction. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (239) 332-3300.
Source:
nbcmiami.com/news/local/woman-with-no-drivers-license-stopped-going-100-mph-on-palmetto-expressway-fhp-says/3798292/