Losing your driver’s license can disrupt your job, your family, and your daily life — and a license can be suspended for many reasons, from a DUI arrest or a drug charge to accumulated points, unpaid obligations, or a habitual-traffic-offender designation. Serious traffic citations carry their own consequences. In Jacksonville, attorney John Rockwell helps clients challenge suspensions, defend driving-while-license-suspended charges, and fight serious traffic citations.
Why a license gets suspended
- Administrative suspension following a DUI arrest or a chemical-test refusal [1]
- License suspension related to a drug conviction
- Accumulation of points or a habitual-traffic-offender designation under section 322.264 [2]
- Insurance-related suspensions
- Driving while license suspended, canceled, or revoked (DWLS) under section 322.34 [3]
Driving while license suspended (DWLS) is more serious than it sounds
Under section 322.34, driving while your license is suspended, canceled, or revoked can be charged as a civil infraction or a criminal offense, depending on whether you knew about the suspension and on your prior record. Repeat DWLS-with-knowledge offenses escalate to misdemeanors and, eventually, a felony — and can themselves lead to a habitual-traffic-offender designation. A habitual traffic offender under section 322.264, defined by accumulating certain serious offenses or suspensions within a five-year period, faces a multi-year license revocation. [3] [2]
The DUI license clock is separate — and short
After a DUI arrest, Florida begins an administrative suspension through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles that is separate from the criminal case. There is a limited window — generally ten days — to request a formal review hearing to challenge that suspension or pursue a hardship license. Missing that window can forfeit options. [1] [4]
Serious traffic citations we handle
- Reckless and careless driving
- Leaving the scene of a crash or accident
- Speeding and excessive-points citations
How Eagle Rock Defense Group helps
The firm moves quickly on the administrative side — requesting the formal review where appropriate, challenging the basis for a suspension, defending DWLS charges, and pursuing hardship reinstatement so clients can keep driving to work and meet their obligations.
Eagle Rock Defense Group represents clients across Duval County and the surrounding Northeast Florida region, including St. Johns, Nassau, Clay, Flagler, Baker, and Bradford counties. Call Eagle Rock Defense Group at 904-310-7501 for a confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to challenge a license suspension after a DUI arrest?
Generally ten days from the arrest to request a formal review hearing. Because the deadline is strict, it is important to act immediately. [4]
What is driving while license suspended (DWLS)?
Under section 322.34, DWLS is driving when your license is suspended, canceled, or revoked. Depending on whether you knew of the suspension and your record, it ranges from a civil infraction to a criminal charge with escalating consequences. [3]
Can I still drive to work if my license is suspended?
In many cases you may be eligible for a hardship license allowing limited driving for work and essential purposes. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and the type of suspension. [4]
What is a habitual traffic offender?
Under section 322.264, a habitual-traffic-offender designation results from accumulating certain serious offenses or suspensions within five years and can lead to a multi-year revocation. [2]
Are serious traffic citations worth fighting?
Often, yes. Charges like reckless driving or leaving the scene carry points, insurance impacts, and sometimes criminal consequences. Challenging them can protect your record and your license.
Authorities & References
- Fla. Stat. § 316.1939 / 316.1932 — DUI refusal & implied consent (administrative suspension)
- Fla. Stat. § 322.264 — Habitual traffic offender; definition
- Fla. Stat. § 322.34 — Driving while license suspended, revoked, canceled
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (formal review / hardship)