FL H1145

Judicial circuits may establish DUI Diversion Programs operated by state attorneys for eligible first-time DUI offenders to avoid permanent criminal records while receiving substance abuse treatment

Eligibility requires no prior alcohol/drug-related traffic offenses, no prior felonies, no more than two prior misdemeanors, no crash involvement, no passenger under 18, and blood-alcohol level below 0.20

Program participants must complete 12 months without alcohol/drugs, 50-75 hours of community service, substance abuse course with psychosocial evaluation, Victim Impact Class, 10-day vehicle impoundment, and at least 30 days of ignition interlock or alcohol monitoring device

Successful completion results in charge reduction to reckless driving with adjudication withheld; any subsequent DUI will be charged as if the person had a prior DUI conviction

State attorneys must submit annual reports by October 1 to the Governor and Legislature detailing cases diverted, completion rates, and recidivism data