F R O M
T H E
S T A T E
A T T O R N E Y
An d re w H. Wa r re n - St at e At t o r n ey fo r t h e T h i r t e e n t h Ju d i c i a l Ci rc u i t
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All misdemeanor-level DUI cases that occur on or
after March 1, 2018, will be screened for eligibility for
the program. Eligibility is determined at the sole
discretion of the State Attorney’s Office. But offenders
may be eligible if their current charge is a first-time
DUI offense that does not involve a minor in the vehicle,
a breath alcohol sample of .20 or higher, or a crash.
There are additional disqualifying criteria based upon
the offender’s prior record.
Eligible offenders are offered the opportunity to
complete enhanced sanctions directed at reducing
recidivism and protecting community safety. These
sanctions include the completion of DUI school,
attendance at the MADD Victim Impact Panel, and the
completion of community service hours. The offender
will also be required to install an ignition interlock
device, wear a continuous alcohol monitoring device,
or wear a patch to monitor illegal drug use.
If an eligible offender satisfactorily completes a
designated portion of these enhanced sanctions, a plea
offer will be extended by the State to a reduced charge
of reckless driving with a withhold of adjudication.
The remaining enhanced sanctions would include a
period of probation with standard conditions typically
associated with a first-time DUI, in addition to the
continued use of an alcohol- or drug-monitoring device,
as well as the completion of treatment recommended by
the DUI school assessment. Additional information
about RIDR can be found at www.sao13th.com.
RIDR’s use of enhanced sanctions better protects our
community from the dangers of drunk driving, while also
providing a way for first-time offenders to prevent a
criminal conviction that could impair their livelihood
and their ability to be a productive citizen.
To avoid creating inculpatory evidence, DUI offenders
often refuse to provide a breath sample, which weakens the
State’s case and increases the likelihood that the charges
are reduced to reckless driving. By contrast, those who
provide a sample as required by Florida’s implied consent
law, section 316.1932, Florida Statutes, often do not receive
that reduction.
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Admission to the Bar
of the Supreme Court
of the United States
ten hcBa members were presented for
admission to the Bar of the supreme court of the
united states by hcBa member movant James
salvatore giardina on march 20 in washington, D.c.
on a rainy morning, attorneys tiffany mcelheran,
robert walton, christina Z. pacheco, Joseline
hardrick, kristin serafin ottinger, rachael reese,
ryan c. reese, heather Lang, richard peck,
and courtney Bueno (pictured from left to right
with James giardina in center) were admitted
by a full court of all nine sitting Justices.
immediately following the swearing in, the
court heard oral arguments on the case of national
institute of family and Life advocates v. Becerra,
where the new admittees had a front row seat to
democracy at work.
thank you to James giardina for organizing this memorable event!
M AY - J U N E 2 0 1 8
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HCBA LAWYER
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