NO VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE (NVDL)
In Florida, a No Valid Driver’s License charge is based on someone operating a vehicle without being properly licensed. Unlike a DWLS charge, a NVDL charge is reserved for those people who have never had a license. Section 322.03(1).
A No Valid Driver’s License charge often affects foreigners and illegal immigrants and can create a permanent criminal record where there once was none.
DEFENSES
Different defenses are available depending on the facts of the case, however, not every case will have a defense. The defenses can be legal or factual in nature such as:
Unlawful traffic stop;
Valid license;
Non-resident.
PENALTIES
A NVDL charge is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by:
60 days in jail; or
6 months probation; and
$500 fine.
Unlike a DWLS charge, convictions for NVDL do not count towards classifying someone as a Habitual Traffic Offender.
