If you were arrested for a first-time DUI in Sarasota County or Manatee County, you may qualify for Florida’s DETER Program, a DUI diversion program that can allow your charge to be reduced to Reckless Driving instead of a DUI conviction.
WHAT IS THE DETER PROGRAM?
The Driver Enhanced Treatment Education Rehabilitation (DETER) Program is offered in Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit, including Sarasota and Manatee Counties. It allows qualifying first-time DUI offenders to complete education, treatment, and monitoring in exchange for a charge reduction.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE DETER PROGRAM?
Eligibility generally requires:
- First-time misdemeanor DUI
- No prior DUI convictions
- No alcohol-related reckless driving
- No serious bodily injury or death
- No minor in the vehicle
- BAC below .20
- Valid driver’s license
- No active probation
- No accident in pending case unless extremely minor
DETER PROGRAM LEVELS
- Level 1: BAC .15 or lower
- Level 2: BAC .15–.20
- Level 3: Drug-related DUI cases
- Level 4: refusal of breath, blood or urine test
PRE-PLEA REQUIREMENTS
Before the DUI is reduced, participants must:
- Complete DUI School
- Complete MADD Victim Impact Panel
- Perform a number of days in the Offender Work Program (varies by Level from 2–7 days)
- Install ignition interlock or monitoring device (except for Level 3; must instead submit to weekly urinalysis)
- Remain arrest-free
PROBATION CONDITIONS
After reduction, probation typically includes:
- 12 months’ probation (possible termination after 6 months)
- Court fines and costs
- Continued treatment or education
- Abstinence from alcohol and illegal drugs
DISQUALIFYING FACTORS
Disqualification may occur if there are prior DUIs, serious injuries, minors in the vehicle, high BAC, probation violations or significant vehicle crashes.
WHY HIRE MARK ZIMMERMAN?
Mark Zimmerman helps clients determine eligibility, advocate for admission, manage deadlines, and successfully complete the DETER Program to avoid a DUI conviction.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you are facing a DUI in Sarasota or Manatee County, early legal help can make the difference. Contact Attorney Mark Zimmerman today for a confidential consultation to discuss your situation and learn how we can help.
