Habitual Traffic Offender in Florida

What is a Habitual Traffic Offender?

In short, a habitual traffic offender (HTO) is person who has broken the laws of the road too many times in a given period of time, or has committed a very serious criminal traffic offense that deems them dangerous to operate a vehicle.

Different ways to receive a HTO charge

There are several ways in which a person is charged with a HTO offense. Some of the most common ways are

  • When a  person receives a DUI or DWI charge several times
  • When a person uses a vehicle to commit a felony
  • When a person does not help other persons involved in a car accident resulting in injury or death
  • When a person receives 15 or more moving violations within a five year time frame
  • When a person drives on a suspended license three or more times within a five year time frame

What are the Penalties?

A HTO charge is a criminal offense and can vary in penalties depending on the circumstances of the case.

If an individual is charged as being a habitual traffic offender, their license will automatically be revoked for five years. Other penalties associated with a HTO charge are:

  • A Third Degree Felony
  • Up to a $5000 fine
  • Up to five years in prison

In addition to the penalties received from the state, a person will also be affected in other areas of their life if they receive a HTO offense.

For starters, being that a HTO charge is a Third Degree Felony a person may have difficulty with finding a job because they will have to document that they have a felony on their record. Moreover, having a HTO charge could cause an individual to lose their job all together because they are now considered a felon or because their license will be revoked limiting them access to transportation . A HTO offense can also put a strain on family matters and personal relationships from the hardships of not being able to operate a vehicle and the amount of money a person will have to pay in fines. 

Defenses for a HTO charge

A person is charged with a HTO offense when they have received another violation which puts them over the limit for violations in a given time, such as but not limited to, DUI, DWI, reckless driving and driving on a suspended license. Because there are various charges that can lead to a HTO offense the defenses will be based on the circumstances for the violation that led to the HTO charge.

There are numerous defenses for HTO charges and many people are charged even if the prosecution has a weak case. For example, a person may be driving on a suspended license and get caught, but they may have had no idea about their license being suspended, and therefore they should not be charged for a crime that they had no knowledge about.

If a person is charged with a HTO violation they should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately so that the attorney can determine the best defense and try to resolve the case quickly in order to avoid harsher penalties from occurring.

Call us today!

Our firm has achieved with getting numerous motorists HTO charges dismissed or reduced. We have been representing motorists since 2004 and we possess the knowledge and skills that it takes to get you quick results. We are available every day and night to assist you with any questions and concerns that you may have in regards to your case. A HTO charge will be a huge burden for you to carry but the majority of them can be fought with proper legal counsel. We will work with you every step of the way and attentively attempt to get your charges reduced or eliminated. Call us today and set up a free consultation at 1-800-FIGHT-IT (1-800-344-4848).