(561) 471-1000

(561) 471-1000

Call for a free consultation

Stay Out Of Jail With The Palm Beach County First Time DUI Offender Program

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.

What Is The Palm Beach County First Time Offender Program?

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.

Are you eligible for the Palm Beach County First Time Offender Program?

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:

  • This is your first DUI arrest
  • You have a valid driver’s license at the time of your DUI arrest
  • You did not commit an accompanying felony
  • You are not facing possession charges from the arrest
  • You have not been charged with a similar offense
  • You have not served a prior prison sentence

You are not eligible for the Palm Beach First Time Offender Program if:

  • You were in an accident at the time of the DUI arrest
  • You had a blood alcohol level over .20, or
  • If a minor was in your car at the time of the arrest

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.

What Happens After You Enter Into The First Time Offender Program?

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.

Probationary Conditions for Tier 1 of the First Time Offender Program:

  • $250 fine & standard court costs
  • Proof of successful completion of DUI School
  • Successful completion of any DUI school recommended alcohol/substance abuse treatment
  • Successful completion of fifty (50) community service hours at approved location(s)
  • Proof of successful completion of Victim Impact Panel or YouImpact online class
  • Ten (10) day vehicle immobilization
  • Ignition Interlock Alcohol Monitoring for a period of three (3) months
  • No possession or consumption of alcohol/illegal drugs/non-prescribed drugs during probation
  • Random alcohol/drug testing conducted by probation at Defendant’s expense

Probationary Conditions for Tier 2 of the First Time Offender Program:

  • $250 fine & standard court costs
  • $250 donation to Palm Beach County Victim Services
  • Proof of successful completion of DUI School
  • Successful completion of any DUI school recommended alcohol/substance abuse treatment
  • Successful completion of seventy-five (75) community service hours at approved location(s)
  • Proof of successful completion of Victim Impact Panel
  • Ten (10) day vehicle immobilization
  • Ignition Interlock Alcohol Monitoring for a period of six (6) months
  • No possession or consumption of alcohol/illegal drugs/non-prescribed drugs during probation
  • Random alcohol/drug testing conducted by probation at Defendant’s expense

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.

Is The Palm Beach First Time Offender Program Right For You?

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.

Gregory Salnick
Mr. Salnick is a Florida Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law. He began his legal career at the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office where he prosecuted over 90 jury trials, ranging from DUI to murder, armed robbery and drug trafficking. Mr. Salnick quickly gained a reputation as a tenacious and ethical attorney at law. Mr. Salnick now serves as state and federal criminal defense attorney at Salnick Law, P.A.
Call us today at 561-471-1000

What Our Clients Are Saying

"Best attorneys around! From the moment I met Michael I knew I was in good hands. Also the father and son dynamic duo leave no stones unturned. Extremely professional and knowledgeable. They are also highly respected by judges and prosecutors alike! You will not regret hiring this law firm for any of your needs!"

former client

"I am a client of Greg and Mike Salnick. While I dont have any pending matters they are handling for me, it is my belief that once you are a client of these gentleman, you are always their client. They put their heart and soul into representing their clients. These are highly competitive men that find true pleasure in zealously advocating for their clients..."

former client

"I reached out to Salnick Law when I was wrongly criminally charged by my employer. A conviction would have cost me my professional certification along with jail time. Michael and Greg stood by me when I refused to accept any plea deals. We went to trial and with the expertise of Salnick Law I was found NOT GUILTY! Throughout my year and a half ordeal Michael and Greg were available to me at any time of the day or night..."

former client

"Often imitated never duplicated,the Salnick law firm is in a league of their own! Michael and Gregg go above and beyond for there clients.There knowledge of the law and ability to produce exemplary results speaks for itself.Super lawyers is an understatement.If you’re looking for the best,then look no further!"

former client

"My family and I are so grateful for The Salnick Law Firm. Michael and Greg treated me as if I was family. They believed in me at a time when I felt like the world was against me. Because of Salnick Law Firm I have my life back. Their expertise in criminal law gave me my freedom. I thought to be home with my family and free to travel was only a dream but it is reality! Thank you!"

former client

"Greg Salnick is a fantastic attorney. I am grateful for the care and time he put into my brother’s case. Greg was professional, knowledgeable, and accessible. Greg explained every step in the legal process, and we were thrilled with the outcome."

former client

"Greg Salnick is not just a great lawyer but a solid human being. He made sure that our entire family was kept apprised every step of the way and generally cared for the well-being of us all. Criminal cases are hard enough but with Greg in your corner you are getting the best hands down."

former client

"Greg Salnick is Harvey Spector from the show suits lol all jokes aside he is the best lawyer I could ask for and Greg will do the best he can always for you and to make you feel like your not just another case"

former client

"Could not ask for a better lawyer then Greg, was looking at life in prison but he was able to prove my innocence. He has helped many of my friends as well. Trust me I wouldn’t put my life in anyone else’s hands other then Gregs."

former client

"This Law firm deserves an additional 100 stars ⭐. I'm so pleased with the level of care and time Attorney Michael Salnick put into my brother's case. He did it with passion, love, and honesty. If you need a criminal defense attorney, look no further. Highly recommended! Best attorney ever! His reputation and results are impeccable!"

former client

"Greg Salnick is a fantastic trial attorney, a dedicated professional, and has the utmost integrity. He is someone I trust implicitly to refer my clients to, and is an excellent choice when deciding on an attorney to handle your criminal matter."

former client

locations we serve

  • statewide
  • palm beach county
  • broward county
  • martin county
  • st. lucie county
  • miami-dade county
  • nationwide - we have practiced pro hac vice (in State and Federal Courts) in over 15 states.

FREE CONSULTATION

© 2024 Salnick Law, P.A. | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions 

Powered by: