Key Largo Unregistered Vehicle Lawyer

Knowledgeable Attorneys Defending Against Vehicle Registration Charges in Key Largo, FL

For most people, making sure the cars they own are properly registered is a routine administrative task. It can often be handled by responding to a renewal notice in the mail or making a quick trip to a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office. If a person fails to meet their requirements for maintaining a registration on their vehicle, they could face a traffic violation. In some cases, they may even be charged with a criminal offense.

The attorneys at Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC can help people in Key Largo and across the Florida Keys address violations involving unregistered motor vehicles. We can provide guidance on the legal requirements that will apply in these cases, and we can take steps to resolve cases in ways that will minimize the penalties that may affect a person's driver's license and their ability to continue operating a vehicle.

Vehicle Registration Requirements Under Florida Law

Under Florida Statute 320.02, every motor vehicle and mobile home that is operated on the roads in the state must be properly registered. A person who purchases a vehicle or relocates to Florida will generally have 30 days to complete the registration process. Florida Statute 320.0605 requires a driver to keep a registration certificate available in a vehicle.

Traffic Violations for Unregistered or Expired Vehicle Registrations

Florida law treats registration violations differently depending on how long a registration has been expired and whether a person has been cited for this type of violation before. Driving with a registration that has been expired for less than six months is generally treated as a nonmoving violation, which will result in a fine. When a vehicle's registration has been expired for six months or longer, a violation will be charged as a noncriminal traffic infraction requiring a mandatory court hearing, and a person may face higher fines.

A second or subsequent violation involving a registration that has been expired for at least six months is considered to be a criminal offense. In these cases, a person can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. If they are convicted, they could be sentenced to up to 60 days in jail, and they may be fined up to $500.

The Difference Between Traffic Infractions and Criminal Charges for Unregistered Vehicles

A person who owns a vehicle may face a traffic violation for failing to ensure that their vehicle is properly registered. Another person who drives an unregistered vehicle may also be charged with a traffic violation. While these violations are generally treated as noncriminal civil traffic infractions that can be resolved by paying fines, the penalties can be much more serious when criminal charges may apply.

An unregistered vehicle violation may be treated as a criminal offense in a situation where a person is charged with a second or subsequent violation of driving a vehicle with a registration that has been expired for more than six months. If a person failed to register their vehicle at all, they could face criminal charges. A person who allegedly provided false information to obtain a vehicle registration could be charged with a criminal offense. Placing a license plate from one vehicle on another, which is sometimes called tag switching, can also lead to criminal charges. Most of the time, these offenses will be classified as second-degree misdemeanors.

The difference between a noncriminal infraction and a criminal misdemeanor can extend well beyond the fines a person may face. A civil infraction is not considered to be a criminal offense, and it will typically be treated the same as another type of traffic ticket. However, a misdemeanor conviction will result in a permanent criminal record. This could potentially affect a person's ability to find or maintain employment, obtain a professional license, find a place to live, or secure loans. Because criminal convictions appear in background checks, information about an offense may continue to affect a person for years to come.

When a person has been charged with a violation involving driving an unregistered motor vehicle, it is important to carefully review the language of the citation and other information related to a case. In some cases, a case that seems to involve a simple registration violation could lead to serious penalties. Understanding whether a violation was based on the wrong statute, a clerical error, a mistake in applying for a renewal, or another issue can help a person determine how to defend against a conviction.

Legal Help With Vehicle Registration Violations

The lawyers at Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC can review a citation related to driving an unregistered vehicle to determine whether it was classified correctly as a civil infraction or a criminal offense. We can work with clients to present proof that the vehicle was properly registered and insured, and we will work to have charges dismissed.

If a dismissal may not be possible, we will work to negotiate a resolution that will help a person avoid a criminal conviction and minimize the penalties they may face. We may be able to reduce a charge to a civil infraction, or we may take steps to minimize potential fines or other issues that could affect a person's driver's license. Our goal is to protect a person's driving record and avoid problems that could have a negative impact on their future.

Contact Our Key Largo, Florida Motor Vehicle Registration Violation Lawyers

While a citation related to the registration of a motor vehicle may appear to be minor, it could lead to serious penalties depending on the length of time since a registration expired or other factors. At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, we can review the details of a citation and determine what steps can be taken to demonstrate that a person has met their legal requirements. We will work to minimize the issues that could affect a person's ability to maintain a clean record. Contact our Key Largo, FL unregistered vehicle violation attorneys at 305-324-7888 to schedule a free consultation.