The DUI Court has elements within the court such as mandatory substance use treatment, case management, random drug and alcohol testing, and community supervision through Salvation Army Corrections. Statistics from operational DUI Courts have shown that recidivism decreases substantially after completion of the entire program. Participants are twenty percent less likely to re-offend.
After entering a plea to the charge of DUI, the offender will be placed on probation for a period of one year. During probation the offender will be expected to comply with the statutory requirements pursuant to Florida Statutes 316.193 and 322.28. Additionally, the offender must complete all three phases of DUI Court. Each participant’s progress through the Three Phases will be reported to the entire DUI Court through weekly team staffing held prior to the status conference court proceeding. A review of their treatment and overall program status will be discussed, along with any program violations and recommendations. The presiding Judge finalizes all incentives and sanctions.
Beginning October 1, 2012 participants were required to provide a portion of costs towards their individualized treatment plan. A $38 weekly program fee for drug screens and cost of probation supervision is required and will be collected for the first 90 days. Thereafter, a $50 weekly fee will be charged for the remainder of the program. These fees will be paid at the Department of Court Alternatives.
Participants are also being required to pay their mandatory minimum fines and other costs as ordered. Mandatory contribution from participants has therapeutic benefits, allowing participants to be empowered by having a sense of ownership through their steps of sobriety and recovery.
