A traffic ticket may seem minor, but the consequences can be far-reaching. Points on your license, higher insurance premiums, mandatory traffic school, and even license suspension are all possible outcomes. At Lacayo Law, we treat every traffic violation seriously and fight to get your charges dismissed or reduced.
Types of Traffic Violations We Defend
Florida law categorizes traffic violations as either moving or non-moving infractions, with moving violations carrying more serious consequences. Our attorneys handle the full spectrum of traffic offenses in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
Speeding Tickets
Whether you were caught by radar, laser, or pacing, we challenge the accuracy of speed detection methods and the officer's procedures to fight your ticket.
3-4 Points on LicenseRunning Red Lights
Red light camera tickets and officer-observed violations carry fines and points. We investigate the timing of yellow lights and camera calibration to build your defense.
4 Points on LicenseReckless Driving
A criminal offense in Florida that carries up to 90 days in jail for a first offense. We work to reduce or dismiss reckless driving charges to protect your record.
4 Points + Criminal RecordDriving Without a License
Operating a vehicle without a valid license is a criminal offense in Florida. Depending on the circumstances, it can be charged as a misdemeanor or even a felony.
Misdemeanor or FelonyCDL Violations
Commercial drivers face stricter standards and more severe penalties. A single serious traffic violation can result in CDL disqualification and loss of your career.
CDL Disqualification RiskCareless Driving
A careless driving citation means an officer believes you drove without due care for the safety of others. While less severe than reckless driving, it still carries significant points.
3 Points on LicenseFlorida's Point System & License Suspension
Florida uses a point system to track driving behavior. Points remain on your record for years and accumulating too many leads to automatic license suspension.
| Points Accumulated | Time Period | Suspension Length |
|---|---|---|
| 12 points | Within 12 months | 30-day suspension |
| 18 points | Within 18 months | 3-month suspension |
| 24 points | Within 36 months | 1-year suspension |
Traffic School & Point Reduction
In some cases, attending a state-approved traffic school can prevent points from being added to your driving record. However, this option has limitations. You can only elect traffic school five times in your lifetime and only once in a 12-month period. For certain violations, traffic school is not available. Our attorneys can advise you on whether traffic school is the right strategy for your situation or whether fighting the ticket offers a better outcome.
Defense Strategies We Use
Our traffic ticket defense strategies include:
- Challenging radar and laser speed detection accuracy and calibration records
- Questioning the officer's visual estimation of speed
- Identifying procedural errors in how the citation was issued
- Examining traffic signal timing and road conditions
- Negotiating plea agreements to reduce charges to non-moving violations
- Presenting evidence of emergency circumstances or necessity
Your Rights After a Traffic Stop
Understanding your rights during a traffic stop can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Right to Remain Silent
You are not required to admit guilt or explain why you were driving a certain way. Be polite but exercise your right to remain silent.
Right to Contest the Ticket
You have the right to contest every traffic citation in court. You are never required to simply pay a ticket and accept the points.
Right to Legal Representation
You have the right to hire an attorney to represent you in traffic court. In most cases, your attorney can appear on your behalf.
Right to See the Evidence
You have the right to review all evidence against you, including radar calibration records, officer training documentation, and any video footage.