DUI Diversion in Orange County, Florida

When you are caught driving under the influence (DUI), you have limited options. In most cases, you will be arrested and maybe even go to jail. How long you are incarcerated will depend upon a number of things: how many times you have been arrested for a DUI in the past, how drunk you were at the time of your arrest, whether or not you had minors in the car with you, and more. Drinking and driving is a serious crime, so it’s not taken lightly in the eyes of the law.

In Florida, though, more options may be available to you. The Orange County Pre-trial DUI Diversion Program is a way to navigate your DUI experience while avoiding conviction and criminal prosecution. The Program is offered through the Office of the State Attorney to people who meet specific criteria. It is not something you or your attorney can refer for you, but if offered, it can save you a lot of hassle.

To be eligible for the Orange County Pre-trial DUI Diversion Program, you must meet the following criteria:

• Your DUI must be a misdemeanor charge; felonies are handled by the Department of Corrections.
• You also cannot have a previous alcohol-related offense or more than one prior misdemeanor of any other type.
• You must not have participated in a deferred prosecution or diversion program before.
• You cannot have any prior juvenile programs on your record, nor can you have previous felonies.
• You must be a legal resident of the United States and you must be approved for the program by the Office of the State Attorney.

Depending on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at the time of your arrest for DUI, you will fall into one of two sets of requirements for the diversion program. In either of these, there are additional fines to pay, attendance at a DUI school or victim impact panel and more. You may also have a mandatory ignition interlock installation for the duration of the program.

DUI diversion programs are effective for anyone who is facing a tough road of rehabilitation after a drunk driving conviction. Nobody wants to be haunted by a poor choice to drink and drive, and with patience and effort, you could have your Florida DUI charge deferred.

Keep checking back for more details on this DUI diversion program, and others!