When a driver in Florida is stopped for a civil traffic violation, the process begins with the officer issuing a citation. Signing the ticket is not an admission of guilt; it is simply an acknowledgment that the driver has received the citation and must take action to address it.

From the date the ticket is issued, the driver has thirty (30) days to respond. Several options are available:

At this stage, legal representation can make a significant difference. An experienced traffic attorney understands the law, the local court procedures, and the defenses that may apply to a particular case. An attorney can often appear in court on behalf of the driver, sparing them the inconvenience of missing work or other obligations. More importantly, an attorney may be able to negotiate reduced fines, prevent points from being added to the driving record, or even achieve a dismissal of the citation. For commercial drivers, repeat offenders, or individuals whose employment depends on maintaining a clean record, having counsel can be critical to protecting their license and livelihood.

If no action is taken within thirty days, the clerk of court will notify the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The DMV will then issue an order suspending the driver’s license, effective twenty days after the notice is mailed. The suspension will remain in place until the citation is resolved.

Hearings are mandatory in more serious cases, such as those involving accidents that cause injury or death. At the hearing, the state must prove the violation beyond a reasonable doubt. If the judge or hearing officer finds the driver responsible, penalties may include fines, traffic school, or the assessment of points. In some cases, adjudication may be withheld to protect the driver’s record.

Florida’s traffic system provides multiple avenues for addressing citations, but the consequences of mishandling a ticket can be serious. An attorney can help drivers navigate this process, protect their record, and safeguard their driving privileges.