If you have been arrested for a DUI, chances are you have heard about programs that make it possible to attend classes or drug and alcohol rehabilitation to avoid jail time. These are called DUI diversion programs. In other states, this is a popular option, but what about when you have a DUI arrest in Florida? In this brief article, Clearwater DUI lawyers with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan share what you need to know about DUI diversion programs, and whether it is an option for you in Florida.

What is a DUI Diversion Program?

A DUI diversion program allows you to complete specific steps, such as attending a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program, in place of other DUI penalties. This can be a preferable resolution to a DUI, which can often carry steep fines, jail time, and loss of license.

A typical Diversion Program allows you to leave the criminal justice system in order to complete certain conditions, like drug rehab or other therapies. If you do all that is asked of you, then the State will dismiss your charge. This option is increasingly popular in other states because instead of punishment, the person is given the opportunity to address their possible addiction and dangerous behaviors in order to prevent them in the future.

Is DUI Diversion Available in All Florida Counties?

DUI diversion is available in some Florida counties in one form or another. However, it is important to note this may not be an option in all counties. For example, in June of 2021, the State Attorney’s Office introduced a program called DUI Rehabilitation of Offenders Program (DROP). This program ultimately helps first-time offenders avoid jail time and the psychosocial penalties of being charged with a DUI.

Can Charges be Reduced with DUI Diversion?

The DROP program previously mentioned is available in Pinellas County. Successful participation in this program will result in a reduction in the charge from DUI to reckless driving.

The benefit of reducing your charges is that you can avoid a steep increase in insurance costs, keep your driver’s license, and reduce the risk of negative impacts to your job or other work prospects. The stigma of a DUI can also be socially taxing, which leads to even more hardship. By reducing to a charge like reckless driving with the completion of DROP, you can avoid these penalties — not to mention reduction of sentence like jail time and fines.

Not every DUI arrestee will qualify for the DROP program. During your initial consultation with our highly experienced Clearwater DUI Defense Team, we will evaluate your eligibility for the program and develop a strategy designed to give you the best chances of successfully completing the program.

For a free consultation with the best DUI attorneys in Clearwater, please contact Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

One of the questions that our experienced Clearwater DUI defense team is frequently asked is “do I really need a lawyer? Can I simply plead my case to the judge and hope for leniency?” An individual charged with a DUI is not required to have an attorney represent them in court. However, having an experienced DUI defense advocate can aid in securing the most lenient resolution in your case.

In this brief article, a Clearwater DUI lawyer with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan shares a few ways that hiring an experienced attorney can help you cut through the red tape and secure the most favorable outcome in your DUI case.

Charge Reduction

 Our office may be able to negotiate with the State Attorney to secure an amendment in the charge from DUI to reckless driving. It’s important to remember that neither the judge nor the arresting officer have the authority to reduce a DUI to the lesser charge of reckless driving. It’s your defense attorney’s job to achieve the best possible outcome including persuading the prosecutor to reduce the charge from a DUI to reckless driving.

If you’re looking to have your DUI charge reduced to reckless driving, it’s absolutely critical to partner with an attorney who is highly-experienced in DUI defense in Clearwater. At a free consultation with an attorney from The Law Offices at Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, we’ll examine various aspects of your case, such as lawfulness of the traffic stop, whether injury is involved, and the legality of the request for a breath test, prior to outlining a plan of action that is designed to thoroughly investigate your case and uncover evidence that may prove beneficial to your defense.

DUI Diversion Program

In Florida, you have the option of doing a DUI diversion program in place of other DUI penalties. This can be a preferable resolution to a DUI, which can often carry steep fines, jail time, and loss of license.

In Pinellas County, the State Attorney’s Office introduced the DUI Rehabilitation of Offenders Program (DROP) in June of 2021. During your initial consultation with one of our highly experienced Clearwater DUI lawyers, we will:

• Discuss your eligibility for participation in the DROP Program;
• Explain the benefits of participation in the program; and
• Discuss what steps that you may take to improve your chances of being accepted into the program.

To create the best defense for your case, the top DUI lawyers in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan can help. You may be able to avoid jail time and find a resolution.

For a free consultation with the top DUI lawyers in Clearwater, please contact Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.