A Florida DUI conviction can have a serious impact on your life and the lives of your family members. You may be facing large fines, legal fees, the loss of your license and possible time in jail. Fortunately, there is one option that can help you avoid a DUI conviction if you are a first time DUI offender.
If you are facing your first DUI charge in West Palm Beach, you may be eligible for a special program designed for people facing their first DUI charges.
The Palm Beach DUI First Time Offender Program, created by the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, offers an alternative to criminal DUI charges for first time DUI offenders. The program is what is known as a “diversion program,” which may help you avoid jail time for a DUI.
There are two tiers to the program. The first tier, or Tier 1, is for first time offenders who were arrested with a blood alcohol level between .08 and .15. The second tier, or Tier 2, is for first time DUI offenders with a blood alcohol level of .15 and .20. Tier 2 is also reserved for first time DUI offenders who refused to take a breathalyzer test.
If you choose to enter into Palm Beach County’s First Time Offender Program, your DUI charges will be dropped. However, you will be required to enter a guilty plea for the charge of Reckless Driving. Reckless Driving is a second degree misdemeanor, and results in a 12 month probation.
If you have been arrested for a DUI in West Palm Beach, the Palm Beach County First Time Offender Program is available to you only if:
You are not eligible for the Palm Beach First Time Offender Program if:
If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI in West Palm Beach, and you are eligible for the Palm Beach County First Time Offender Program, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney about your options prior to your arraignment.
Upon entering into the diversion program, you will agree to plead guilty to reckless driving and serve probation for a 12 month period. In addition, you will be required to comply with the conditions of your probation, which depend on which tier you fall into.
Though completing these conditions sounds difficult, there is great incentive for completing the program. If you fail to complete all of the probationary conditions of the Palm Beach County First Time Offender Program, you can face up to 90 days in Palm Beach County jail and a $500 fine.
If you have been charged with a DUI in West Palm Beach, you should consult with a West Palm Beach DUI attorney. Deciding whether or not to enter into the county’s diversion program should not be made before exploring all of your options. A West Palm Beach DUI attorney can look at the facts of your case and the circumstances surrounding your arrest to help you achieve the best resolution to your arrest.
Contact the West Palm Beach criminal defense attorneys at Salnick Law, P.A. today by using the form below.
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