Home » Driving / Traffic Offenses » Permitting an Unauthorized Operator

Permitting an Unauthorized Operator to Drive

Many people are surprised to learn that you can be charged with a criminal offense if you allow a person to drive your car when you have knowledge that the person is not authorized to operate a vehicle.

Proving the knowledge element is often very difficult because the person borrowing your vehicle may not want you to know that their driver’s license is not valid.

Florida Statute 322.36 provides that the offense occurs if you have knowledge that the driver is unauthorized to drive the vehicle for any of the following reasons:

Penalties for Permitting Unauthorized Driver

Any violation of Florida Statute Section 322.36 for permitting an unauthorized operator to drive the vehicle is punishable as a second degree misdemeanor pursuant to Florida Statute Section 775.082 or 775.083.

The person who is charged with the offense can also have their driver’s license suspended for twelve months if the offense of permitting an unauthorized person to drive the vehicle resulted in an accident that caused death or serious bodily injury.

Attorney for Section 322.36 Violations in Tampa, FL

If you were charged with either the first or second degree version of this criminal offense in Tampa or Plant City in Hillsborough County, FL, then hire an experienced criminal defense attorney at the Sammis Law Firm.

We can explain why Florida Statute 322.36 allows an owner of a vehicle to be charged with a crime for allowing another person to drive their vehicle if they are aware that the other person has a suspended license.

At Sammis Law Firm, we have offices conveniently located in downtown Tampa, Clearwater, and New Port Richey, FL.

Contact us to discuss your driving or traffic charge. We can begin your defense today. Call 813-250-0500.

This article was last updated on Friday, December 30, 2022.

About our firm

Free Consultation

Submit this form to request a free and confidential consultation with one of our attorneys.

Submit this form to request a free and confidential consultation with one of our attorneys.

Office Locations

Tampa Office:

Sammis Law Firm, P.A.
1005 N. Marion St.
Tampa, FL 33602

(813) 250-0500

map + directions

Clearwater Office:

14010 Roosevelt Blvd. #701
Clearwater, FL 33762

(727) 210-7004

map + directions

New Port Richey Office:

7509 Little Rd.
New Port Richey, FL 34654

(727) 807-6392

map + directions

Driving / Traffic Offenses

Case Results

Not Guilty Verdict

Improper Exhibition of a Firearm
Our client was charged with Improper Exhibition of a Firearm. We took this case to jury trial and successfully held the State of Florida to its burden when the jury returned a Not Guilty Verdict in favor of our client .
view

No Filed

False Imprisonment and Domestic Violence Battery
The Assistant State Attorney filed a “letter of release” to drop the charges for False Imprisonment and Domestic Violence Battery. As a result, the charges were “no-filed.” Prior to that decision, we were able to talk with the alleged victim and provide exculpatory evidence... read more »

Not Guilty Verdict

Lewd and Lascivious Molestation
The jury returned a “NOT GUILTY” verdict on the charge of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation. The charge was pending before the Honorable Susan L. Barthle in Dade City, FL. That version of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation is punishable by life in prison with a... read more »

Not Guilty Verdict

Felony Battery
The jury returned a “NOT GUILTY” jury verdict in Polk County at the courthouse in Bartow, FL. The defense involved extensive impeachment of the State’s only witness in addition to Justifiable Use of Nondeadly Force and Stand Your Ground in a Felony Battery case.

Dismissed

Sexual Violence Injunction
Our firm won a hearing on a sexual violence injunction in Division G in Hillsborough County. The court dismissed the injunction finding there was no competent substantial evidence to award an injunction. The Petitioner failed to present substantial evidence of any sexual violence committed... read more »

*The case results discussed here do not necssarily reflect the potential outcomes of other cases. The facts and circumstances of each case are unique and must be evaluated and handled on their own merit.

Read more Case Results

Client Reviews

“The experience I had with Sammis Law firm in May 2022 was exceptional. I was contacted by Joshua M and he was the absolute best at his job and very professional. He kept me informed every step of the way with my case, and he worked hard in getting my charges of domestic assault dismissed. Thank you Joshua and Sammis Law Firm. Their paralegal Danielle was also very amazing.”

Kimmy

A Google user

Rated 5.0 out of 5
google-rating

“Working with Sammis Law Firm was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to their clients is unparalleled. The outcome of my case was extremely satisfactory, and I attribute that success to the hard work and dedication of the team at Sammis Law Firm. I am so grateful to have had them by my side, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. If you are in need of legal assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to Sammis Law Firm. They will fight for you every step of the way, just as they did for me.”

Sebastian

A Google user

Rated 5.0 out of 5
google-rating

“I would highly recommend Leslie to anyone in need of legal services. I couldn’t have done it without you!”

Jony T

A Google user

Rated 5.0 out of 5
google-rating

“Her knowledge of the law, and her exceptional communication skills, made it easy to navigate the complex legal system. I would highly recommend Leslie to anyone in need of legal services. I couldn’t have done it without you!”

Katty D

A Google user

Rated 5.0 out of 5
google-rating

“Leslie Sammis was extremely professional and provided guidance and support every step of the way. Her knowledge of the law, and her exceptional communication skills, made it easy to navigate the complex legal system. I would highly recommend Leslie to anyone in need of legal services. I couldn’t have done it without you!”

Ryan A

A Google user

Rated 5.0 out of 5
google-rating
Read more reviews

Our Attorneys

Jason D. Sammis
Leslie M. Sammis
Joshua Monteiro
Katherine A. Aranda
Dominique Celerin
Idalis M. Vento
More Attorneys + Staff