Tallahassee Habitual Traffic Offender Attorney
Last updated on May 4, 2025
Facing a habitual traffic offender (HTO) charge in Florida isn’t just about traffic violations – it’s about protecting your future. This designation can cost you your license for five years, lead to felony charges for driving, and damage your job prospects and insurance rates.
At Jansen & Davis, P.A., we take these cases seriously. We defend drivers in Tallahassee and throughout Florida who are dealing with the consequences of multiple traffic convictions. With over 70 years of combined experience, we understand how to challenge HTO status and push for outcomes that protect your rights and get you back on the road.
What Are HTO Charges?
Florida law defines an HTO as someone who racks up multiple serious driving convictions within a five-year period. This can include a combination of DUIs, driving with a suspended license or other major traffic violations. Once the state labels you as an HTO, the penalties are immediate and severe.
The law doesn’t leave much room for error. Even if the convictions span several years or involve different counties, the state still counts them toward HTO status. Many drivers don’t realize they’re at risk until they receive notice from the DMV that their license has been revoked. At that point, even a minor mistake – like driving to work – can result in felony charges.
We help clients understand what qualifies under the statute, how the timeline works and whether their records have been properly evaluated. In many cases, we find legal grounds to fight the designation and get you back in control of your case.
How Does One Become An HTO?
Florida law outlines clear guidelines for when someone qualifies as an HTO. The state looks at your full driving record, not just recent incidents. If the violations fall within a five-year period, you may be at risk of losing your license for an extended time.
You may face HTO classification if you have:
- Three or more convictions for serious traffic offenses such as DUI, driving with a suspended license or causing a fatal crash
- Fifteen or more convictions for moving violations that carry points on your license such as speeding or running a red light
These offenses do not need to happen in the same city or county. As long as they occurred within a five-year span, the state can take action. Once you’re labeled an HTO, your driver’s license can be revoked for five years or more. Reinstatement is not automatic. You’ll need to meet strict legal requirements to get your license back. That’s why early legal help is key. We work to stop the HTO designation before it takes effect or challenge it when it does.
Common Offenses That Lead To HTO Status
In Florida, the state can label someone as an HTO after just three qualifying convictions within five years. These offenses don’t need to happen in the same place or at the same time. They can add up over time, and once the state classifies you as an HTO, you face a long-term license revocation and other serious penalties.
Offenses that often lead to HTO status include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI): A second or third DUI within a short period puts you at serious risk.
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license: This is one of the most common reasons people end up classified as habitual offenders.
- Fleeing or attempting to evade law enforcement: Even if no one is hurt, this offense carries weight in court and counts toward HTO status.
- Vehicular manslaughter: Any death caused by a driver, even if unintentional, will likely trigger a long list of legal consequences.
- Reckless driving: This includes driving with disregard for the safety of others – speeding, weaving through traffic or ignoring traffic laws.
- Using a vehicle while committing a felony: If the car is involved in a felony, such as transporting drugs or fleeing a crime, that charge counts.
Every one of these charges carries its own penalties, but together, they can take away your license and change your future. We look closely at your record to see whether these offenses qualify under Florida law. If they don’t, we fight to keep you from being labeled an HTO. If they do, we work to reduce the impact and help you move forward.
Consequences Of HTO Status
Being labeled a habitual traffic offender carries serious legal and financial consequences:
- Extended license revocation: Your driver’s license could be revoked for five years or more.
- Jail time: Continued driving after revocation may result in felony charges.
- Hefty fines: You may face thousands in fines and court fees.
- Insurance issues: Your rates may skyrocket, or you could lose coverage entirely.
- Employment setbacks: Without a license, many people can’t work.
We understand what’s at stake, and we fight to limit these consequences or eliminate them entirely.
Why Choose Jansen & Davis, P.A., for Your Defense
At Jansen & Davis, P.A., we focus 100% on criminal defense. That means we understand the stakes, the law and the strategy needed to challenge HTO cases in Florida. Here’s why clients trust us:
- Decades of experience: We bring over 70 years of combined legal experience to every case.
- Local knowledge: Based in Tallahassee, we know the courts, the prosecutors and the process to strategically fight for your rights.
- Personalized defense: No two cases are the same. We tailor our defense to your specific record and goals.
- Proven track record: We’ve helped clients avoid license revocations, reduce charges and dismiss cases entirely.
We don’t take shortcuts. When your license and freedom are on the line, we take it personally. Talk to a habitual traffic offender lawyer from Jansen & Davis, P.A., by reaching out to us online. Let’s discuss your case.
Our Approach To HTO Cases
We believe in aggressive, thoughtful defense. Our process includes:
- Thorough investigation: Our DUI lawyers review your full driving record, police reports, court documents, and past pleas or convictions to look for errors or inconsistencies.
- Challenging the evidence: Not all charges should count toward HTO status. We question whether prior offenses were properly filed, if you were properly represented or if the offense qualifies under Florida law.
- Negotiating alternatives: We often work with prosecutors to reduce charges or amend the record. In some cases, we can file motions to vacate prior convictions or reinstate a suspended license.
- Courtroom advocacy: If needed, we go to court to defend your rights. Whether it’s a hearing to reinstate your license or a felony trial for driving as an HTO, we stand by your side at every step.
Every case is different, but we build each defense with one goal in mind – getting you back on the road with the least possible disruption to your life.
Contact Us For A Free Consultation
An HTO label in Tallahassee can derail your life, but it doesn’t have to. Let us fight for your license and your future. Call Jansen & Davis, P.A., at 850-641-8739 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.