I Received a HTO Notice in St. Augustine, What can I do?

As a St. Augustine HTO Defense Lawyer, I have many calls regarding Habitual Traffic Offenders (HTO). Although every case has its individual characteristics, the end result is always the same; the individual is facing a 5-year suspension of their license. This will not only have a negative impact on an individual’s job, but also their social life, travel plans, and ability to acquire basic living necessities. Fortunately, there is something a St. Augustine driver can do about this. They can contact a St. Augustine HTO Defense Lawyer to represent them. As I work my way through these cases, the same questions appear time after time; what is HTO and What can I do? Well taken in turn, I will briefly explain both in hopes of granting you a better understanding of your current position.

A St. Augustine Habitual Traffic Offender is defined under Florida Statute § 322.264. According to the statute, a Habitual Traffic Offender is any person whose record, as maintained by the DMV, shows that such person has accumulated the specific number of convictions for offenses described in (1) or (2) within a 5-year period:

3 or more convictions of any one or more of the following arising out of separate acts: [a]Voluntary/involuntary manslaughter with a vehicle; [b]Any violation of § 316.193 (DUI);[c]Any felony using a vehicle; [d]Driving with suspended or revoked license; [e]Failing to stop or render aid as required by law; [f]Driving a commercial vehicle with privilege revoked; OR
15 convictions for moving traffic offenses for which points may be assessed

Unfortunately, for St. Augustine Drivers, after being labeled a HTO the pain does not stop there. According to Florida Statute § 322.331, after the statutory period, the individual has to petition the Court for restoration of driving privileges. There will be an administrative hearing to determine restoration and to determine whether to issue a restricted or unrestricted license.

Although, the Statute defines St. Augustine HTO and penalties; its does not mean there is nothing you cannot do about it. As a St. Augustine HTO Defense Lawyer, I can review your Florida Driving Record, determine which offenses established your HTO status, and discuss with you the best approach in taking you out of HTO status before the end of 5 years.

This is a complicated process of reinstating your license once it has been revoked. Not to mention all the additional fees required before your license will be reinstated. The best approach is to avoid HTO status in the first place. A St. Augustine HTO Defense Lawyer can evaluate your driving history and determine the best course of action heading forward. Therefore, if you have multiple traffic violations or have been labeled HTO, contact a St. Augustine HTO Defense Lawyer today to review your driving record and determine what they can do for you.