In the Sarasota area, most people would probably consider driving to be a necessity. Whether driving is part of your job or you are simply trying to get around town, serious problems can arise if you drive while your license is suspended, as a young man recently learned. After a long history of traffic offenses, including a previous conviction for driving under suspension led to the current loss of his driving privileges, the man was pulled over again and charged with driving under a suspended license. Not only is this a first-degree misdemeanor that can include jail time, but additionally, if an individual is convicted of driving under suspension three times within a five-year period, that person will be classified as a habitual traffic offender, which requires suspending that person’s license for five years. If this was not a severe enough ramification, if someone is convicted of driving during this five-year period, the offense is considered a felony and harsher penalties will result. The young man obviously wanted to avoid another conviction that could lead to this habitual offender classification or any potential time in jail, so he retained the services of Erika Valcarcel, Criminal Defense Lawyer, P.A. to review his available legal options.
Attorney Erika Valcarcel reviewed the traffic code and zealously represented her client, advising him on how to proceed. Under attorney Valcarcel’s direction, the man was able to restore his driver’s license prior to appearing in court to address the driving under suspension charge. After presenting the man’s valid license to the presiding judge, attorney Valcarcel negotiated to have the current charge amended to a lesser offense of driving without a valid license. By agreeing to this charge, the man would no longer face any time in jail and it could not be used to classify him as a habitual offender. In the end, the man only had to pay a small fine and perhaps more importantly, he was able to move on from the experience with a valid driver license.
"Erika Valcarcel, Criminal Defense Lawyer, P.A. is the best you will find. Erika Valcarcel is completely honest and straightforward. She took a huge burden off my shoulders many times during difficult periods of my life knowing that she was doing everything that that could and should be done. Her knowledge is extensive and her advice has always been right on the mark. She is worth every penny of the fee she charges. You cannot go wrong securing her services."
Joni A. | Sarasota County
Domestic Violence Charges Dismissed in 10 Days
When a client was arrested for battery after an altercation with his girlfriend, he immediately contacted attorney Erika Valcarcel. The client was adamant that the entire situation was a misunderstanding, but nevertheless he was looking at a domestic violence conviction and potentially up to a year in jail. We acted fast on his behalf and discussed the situation with the State attorney’s office. We informed the prosecutor that our client's girlfriend did not want to proceed and highlighted the weaknesses in their case. Once they were aware of these developments, we successfully arranged to have the charges dismissed. This was all before our client's first court date and impressively all done within 10 days of the initial arrest.
