A conviction for a first-time
DUI offense carries a jail sentence of up to six months, a maximum $1,000
fine, and driver’s license suspension for up six months. A second
or third DUI offense can lead to harsher penalties and even a felony charge.
Fortunately, the DUI Court Program in Volusia County gives first-time offenders
with high BAC and multiple offenders an opportunity to have their drunk
driving charges suspended, reduced, or dismissed altogether upon competition
of the program. Additionally, this diversion program also helps defendants
overcome alcohol and/or drug abuse issues.
The following are the rules of the Volusia County DUI Court Program:
- Attend all court dates
- Attend all treatment sessions (e.g. individual counseling, family counseling,
medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Attend all support group meetings (e.g. Alcohol Anonymous or Smart Recovery)
- Avoid bars, liquor stores, and any establishments that mainly rely on alcohol sales
- Admit to random alcohol/drug testing
- Maintain legitimate employment and/or continue education
- Be subject to random home visits
- Remain sober for the duration of the program
- Make payments toward the program, which totals up to $1,400
There are five phases of DUI court: Phase 1 (lasts at least four weeks),
Phase 2 (lasts at least 12 weeks), Phase 3 (lasts at least 12 weeks),
Phase 4 (lasts at least eight weeks), and Graduation Phase (lasts up to
eight weeks). Once you finish every requirement for a phase, the DUI team
will assess your progress and a judge will decide whether you move on
to the next phase.
As we mentioned earlier, completion of the DUI Court Program means either
your charges are dismissed, or you avoid serving any time behind bars.
On the other hand, failure to comply with DUI Court responsibilities may
lead to probation violation and/or new criminal charges.
At
The Law Offices of Robert Stepniak, we can review your case and determine if you are eligible for the Volusia
County DUI Court Program. Although our main goal is to help you reach
a not guilty verdict, getting your entire case dismissed through pretrial
diversion means you don’t have to serve a jail sentence.
On the next blog post of this series, we will discuss the Volusia County
Teen Court.
Other pretrial services in Volusia County include:
For more information about the DUI Court Program,
contact the Law Offices of Robert Stepniak today and request a free consultation.