Tampa Traffic Violations Lawyer
Florida law enforcement responds to millions of traffic incidents each year, doling out roughly two million citations annually. Many of these citations are for minor traffic violations such as speeding and failing to use a turn signal. Some, however, are for much more serious offenses, such as DUIs, reckless driving, and causing serious bodily injury to other road users. If you were arrested for a traffic violation, you are almost certainly facing fines, points on your license, revocation of your driver’s license, and even time behind bars. The Tampa traffic violation lawyer at the Matassini Law Firm, P.A. can help you fight these charges.
Misdemeanor and Felony Offenses
The following traffic offenses are charged as misdemeanors and felonies. A second degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a first degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year in jail, and a third degree felony is punishable by up to five years in state prison. It is not uncommon for defendants to be facing multiple charges for the same incident. As such, you could be facing serious fines and the real possibility of imprisonment.
- Driving without a valid license
- Driving with a suspended license
- Reckless driving
- Reckless driving causing serious bodily injury
- Hit and run
- Hit and run causing serious bodily injury
- Drunk driving (DUI)
- DUI causing bodily injury
- DUI drugs
- Evading police
- Manslaughter (reckless driving, hit and run, DUI)
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is operating a motor vehicle with wanton and willful disregard for the safety of others. Put simply, it is driving in a way that is likely to result in a crash, and is more egregious than simple negligence. Reckless driving typically involves excessive speed often coupled with: unsafe passing, weaving in and out of traffic, street racing, driving on the wrong side of the road, driving through red lights, failing to look for pedestrians, road rage, failing to take evasive actions to avoid a collision, etc.
- First offense—Second degree misdemeanor: up 90 days in jail or 6 months of probation
- Second or subsequent Offense—Second degree misdemeanor with up to 6 months in jail
- Property damage or bodily injury—First degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail
- Serious bodily injury—Third degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison
Call a Tampa Traffic Violations Lawyer Today
Traffic collisions kill nearly 50,000 Americans every year, and seriously injure millions. Here in Florida, aggressive driving, uninsured driving, DUIs, and road rage are compiling to make our streets more dangerous than at any point in the 21st century. State prosecutors are beginning to feel the pressure to crack down on offenders, and are not likely to go easy on you. The Tampa traffic violation lawyers at the Matassini Law Firm, P.A. have invaluable knowledge of how the criminal justice system works and what your outcome could be if you are competently represented by an attorney. We strongly urge you to contact The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. today at 813-217-5715 for a free consultation.
