Criminal Defense
Since 1993
Since 1993
TurboTax, Robots, and How to Get Your License Back for (Almost) Free
By: John Guidry
Tech people are a pretty cocky bunch. They brag that all human progress is due to technology. But often, new technology just means job losses.
- Elevator Operators: 17,000 jobs lost to automatic buttons.
- Blockbuster Clerks: 9,000 stores closed by Netflix.
- Attorneys & Accountants: Losing jobs to LegalZoom and TurboTax.
It’s not fair to single out the robots. Sometimes, it’s not technology that solves a problem—it’s just Knowledge. And that is what I am giving away for free today.
I represent plenty of folks who get caught driving on a suspended license (DWLS). A popular reason is delinquent child support. The Myth: Everyone believes there is “no way” to get their license back because they owe $25,000 and can’t pay it all at once. The Truth: You don’t need to pay it all at once.
Is your license suspended for Child Support?
You don’t need a hardship license. You need a Motion to Reinstate.
The DMV Dead End
The problem is that the DMV tells everyone they will not issue a Hardship License for folks behind on child support. They are right. The rule is: If you owe money (tickets or support), you get nothing until it’s paid. No exceptions. The Solution: We cut the DMV out of this completely. We don’t want a hardship license; we want the suspension lifted entirely.
The “No Money Down” Secret
Most people don’t bother trying because they hear rumors that they need a massive “lump sum” down payment. Not true. A driver’s license suspension is merely the government’s way of getting your attention. They don’t want you unemployed; they want you paying something.
The Department of Revenue (DOR) Equation: You do not have to pay the full arrears. Generally, the DOR requires you to resume your regular monthly payments plus an additional 10-20% toward the past due amount.
- Example: You owe $500/month and are $25,000 behind.
- The Deal: You agree to pay $500 (current) + $100 (20% toward arrears) = $600/month.
- The Result: Once you make that first $600 payment, the suspension is lifted. You are back on the road.
The Process: Don’t Call, File.
Do not call the Department of Revenue. If you call them, they will demand a huge down payment. You must follow the legal process:
- File a Motion: It is called a “Petition to Reinstate Driver’s License.” These forms are available online (check your local Clerk of Court website).
- Hire a Family Law Attorney: I highly recommend having a lawyer draft this. The DOR is more likely to accept a standard 10-20% offer from an attorney than from an unrepresented citizen.
- The Order: Once the judge signs the order, you take it to the Tax Collector, pay a small reinstatement fee, and walk out with your valid license.
John’s 2026 Update: The “Dragnet” is Everywhere
Note: In the past, you could “risk it” and drive carefully. In 2026, the car itself rats you out.
1. ALPRs are Everywhere In 2026, police cars are equipped with Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) that scan thousands of plates an hour.
- The Risk: You don’t need to speed to get caught. If a cop drives past you, their computer instantly screams “SUSPENDED DRIVER.” You will get pulled over.
- The Consequence: Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense. You will go to jail, and your car will be towed.
2. “Operation Green Light” Warning You may hear about “Operation Green Light” events where Clerks of Court waive collection fees to help people get licenses back.
- The Trap: These events usually apply to traffic tickets, NOT child support. Don’t wait for a Green Light event to fix a DOR suspension; it likely won’t help you.
3. Virtual Hearings The good news is that in 2026, most of these “Motion to Reinstate” hearings are done via Zoom. You don’t have to take a day off work to go to the courthouse. Your attorney can often negotiate the deal with the DOR via email without a hearing at all.
Get Legal (Before You Get Arrested)
This is the one legal problem you can fix without paying a fortune. Hire a family law attorney to file the motion.
If you didn’t fix it in time and got arrested for DWLS, that is when you call me.
Call John today at (407) 423-1117.
About John Guidry II
John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.
Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.
Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.
When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.