Obtaining a Florida License Before My Pennsylvania License is Suspended
I appreciate any advice given.
I was convicted of my 2nd DUI in PA about 4 months ago, however I am appealing the verdict and have recently moved to Florida. My PA license is still valid to date. I would like to obtain a Florida license, but Florida law states that if a person has 2 DUI within 5 years, then their license with be revoked for 5 years. This question is indicated on the Florida license application, and asks whether or not the applicant has 2 DUI convictions within 5 years. So my question is, how do I answer this application question? Since I am appealing my conviction and my license is still valid in PA, do I answer yes or no? Also, and most importantly, if I obtain a Florida license and PA upholds my conviction, will Florida be informed of my suspension in PA and then subsequently suspend my Florida license? Lastly, will that suspension be for the suspension of 2 years bestowed by PA or 5 years as stated in Florida law?
Thank you in advance for any assistance provided.
Re: Obtaining a Florida License Before My Pennsylvania License is Suspended
You're convicted, and your conviction has not been reversed on appeal, so you would indicate that you were convicted. You can expect Florida to apply its own laws when issuing suspensions based upon drunk driving convictions.
Re: Obtaining a Florida License Before My Pennsylvania License is Suspended
Yes, I was convicted, but I am appealing the judge's verdict. I have not received an answer to this appeal yet, but the formal appeal is on record. Since I am appealing my case, PA Dept of Transportation has postponed any license suspension. Being that my license is valid in PA at this time, I would like to transfer my license to Florida. However, I am not sure if PA will inform Florida if they uphold the verdict and issue a suspension.
Do you think PA will be aware that I have transferred my license to Florida and consequently inform Florida of the suspension? If so, do you feel that I will have my license revoked for the PA imposed sentence of 2 years or by Florida law (5 years), even though my conviction was in PA with a PA license.
I guess I'm just determining whether or not to keep my PA license and accept the 2 year suspension or gamble with getting a Florida license and losing it possibly for 5 years.
Thanks again for your help.