Q&A: RIDR Program in Hillsborough County Florida – Answers from an Expert

Questions and Answers

from a

DUI Expert

As a DUI expert serving Hillsborough County, I understand the anxiety and confusion that follows a first-time DUI arrest. The RIDR program offers a potential path to resolution, but navigating its complexities is vital. This comprehensive guide breaks down the RIDR program through essential Q&A and a detailed table, clearly outlining eligibility, benefits, and restrictions.

My goal is to equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. If you’re seeking clarity and personalized legal guidance on your DUI case and the RIDR program details presented below, reach out to Casey at DUI2Go.com for expert assistance.

Why was the First-Time DUI Diversion (RIDR) program created?

The program was created to address Hillsborough County’s high rates of DUI crashes, injuries, and fatalities. It aims to reduce recidivism and improve community safety by imposing enhanced sanctions on first-time, non-aggravated DUI offenders.  

Who is eligible for the First-Time DUI Diversion program?

Eligibility criteria include: the case must be a misdemeanor DUI offense; there can be no children in the vehicle; the breath alcohol concentration must be below 0.200%; there cannot have been a crash; there cannot be a prior DUI, alcohol-related reckless driving, driving while license suspended with serious bodily injury or death, leaving the scene of an accident with injury or death, or vehicular homicide charges; there cannot have been a prior DUI diversion program and no more than one non-DUI diversion program as an adult; and in the five years prior to the date of offense the driver cannot have had a prior adjudication withhold or any portion of a felony sentence.

How are cases selected for the program?

Your attorney can request consideration. The State Attorney’s Office evaluates cases individually based on the specific facts. They have the sole discretion to determine eligibility. Sanction levels are determined by BAC and the nature of the offense.

What are the benefits of accepting a plea offer under this program?

Benefits include: No Conviction; reduced charge to reckless driving; withhold adjudication; 12 months probation; vehicle immobilization for 10 days; avoidance of a DUI conviction on their record; and completion of DUI school and any recommended treatment.

What are the restrictions during the diversion program?

Restrictions include: no possession or consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs, or non-prescribed drugs during the 12-month probation period; payment of standard court costs and cost of supervision; and completion of DUI school and any recommended treatment.

Table Summarizing the First-Time DUI Diversion (RIDR) Program:

Don’t Navigate Your DUI Alone: Connect with Casey Today.

If you or someone you know is facing a first-time DUI in Hillsborough County, contact Casey at DUI2Go.com today. Learn more about Casey here: https://dui2go.com/about/ For expert legal assistance regarding the First-Time DUI Diversion program, reach out to Casey at DUI2Go.com. Contact Casey here: https://dui2go.com/contact/

Original Announcement from 2018

Why Start New First-Time DUI Diversion (RIDR)?

Hillsborough County has consistently been ranked the worst or near the worst in Florida for DUI crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Given the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of reducing recidivism to promote long-term Community safety, the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office has established the reducing impaired driving recidivism initiative. The program seeks to aggressively target and reduce impaired driving by imposing enhanced sanctions like alcohol monitoring devices and DUI education programs on first-time, non-aggravated DUI offenders. This First-Time DUI Diversion program also promotes consistency in the prosecution of DUI cases by eliminating the incentive for offenders to refuse to provide a breath sample during the investigation.

Who Is Eligible for First-Time DUI Diversion Program?

To be eligible for the First-Time DUI Diversion program, first, the case must be a misdemeanor DUI. There can be no children in the vehicle. Also, the breath alcohol concentration must be below .200% and there cannot have been a crash. Additionally, there cannot be a prior DUI alcohol-related reckless driving, driving while license suspended with serious bodily injury or death, leaving the scene of an accident with injury or death, or vehicular homicide charges in the driver’s past. Finally, there cannot have been a prior DUI diversion program, more than one non-DUI diversion program as an adult, or in the five years prior to the date of offense the driver cannot have had a prior adjudication withhold or any portion of a sentence on a felony.

What Is The Process For Selecting Cases In This DUI Diversion Program?

The state attorney’s office will evaluate all cases on an individual fact-specific basis. The state attorney’s office solely determines the individual’s eligibility for the RIDR First-Time DUI Diversion Program. There will be three sanction levels for eligible cases. Level one cases will have a breath level below .15%. Next, Level two will have breath alcohol levels above .15% but less than .20% or there has been a refusal to provide. Last, Level 3 will be for drug-related DUIs.

Why Would Someone Want To Accept A Plea Offer Under The New DUI Program?

Mainly the driver will be offered a reduced charge of reckless driving and withhold adjudication. There will be 12 months probation. Individual must pay standard court costs and cost of supervision. They will have their vehicle immobilized for 10 days. The first-time DUI offender cannot possess or consume alcohol, illegal drugs, or non prescribed drugs during that 12 month period. Also, the offender must successfully complete the DUI school and any recommended treatment.

Hillsborough County First-Time DUI Diversion Program (RIDR) – Key Information

Facing a first-time DUI in Hillsborough County? The Reducing Impaired Driving Recidivism (RIDR) program offers a crucial second chance. Understanding its intricacies is key. We announced the program originally in 2018. Through the past years, we’ve compiled essential information in the table below, followed by frequently asked questions, to help you navigate this opportunity and protect your future.

FAQ First-Time DUI Diversion (RIDR) in Hillsborough County, FL – Answers from a Former DUI Prosecutor

What is the RIDR program in Hillsborough County?

The Reducing Impaired Driving Recidivism (RIDR) program is a diversion program designed for first-time DUI offenders in Hillsborough County, FL. It offers an alternative to traditional court proceedings, allowing eligible individuals to avoid a DUI conviction by successfully completing specific program requirements.

Am I eligible for the RIDR program?

Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. Generally, you must be a first-time DUI offender in Hillsborough County with no prior felonies and a blood alcohol content (BAC) within certain limits. Other factors may also apply. It is best to contact an attorney to assess your eligibility and guide you through the program.

What are the benefits of participating in RIDR?

The primary benefit is the potential to avoid a DUI conviction, which can have significant long-term consequences. Other benefits include avoiding a criminal record, reduced penalties, such as fines and license suspension, opportunity for rehabilitation and education, and potential for license reinstatement.

What are the requirements of the RIDR program?

The RIDR program typically includes DUI School, Victim Impact Panel, Community Service, Evaluation and recommended treatment (if applicable), and a period of supervision.

How long does the RIDR program take to complete?

The program typically lasts 6-12 months, but the exact timeframe can vary depending on individual circumstances and compliance.

What happens if I fail to complete the RIDR program?

If you fail to complete the program, you will likely face traditional court proceedings, and criminal violation charges will be pursued.

Why do I need an attorney for the RIDR program?

An experienced attorney, like W.F. Casey Ebsary Jr., can assess your eligibility for the program, guide you through the application process, represent you in court and with program officials, advocate for your best interests, ensure you understand all aspects of the program and your rights, and help mitigate any issues that arise during the process. Casey was a Prosecutor in one of the first diversion programs in Hillsborough County over 20 years ago.

How can W.F. Casey Ebsary Jr. help me with my first-time DUI case?

W.F. Casey Ebsary Jr. is an expert attorney with extensive experience in DUI cases in Hillsborough County. He can provide knowledgeable legal representation, ensuring you understand your options and helping you navigate the RIDR program or other legal avenues. Contact him at 813-222-2220 for a consultation.

What are the costs associated with the RIDR program?

Costs include program fees, evaluation fees, and legal fees. It is essential to discuss these costs with your attorney to understand the financial implications.

How do I get started with the RIDR program?

The first step is to contact an experienced DUI attorney like W.F. Casey Ebsary Jr. He can assess your case and guide you through the process. Call 813-222-2220 today.

Call 813-222-2220

• First-Time DUI Diversion
• Avoiding a Criminal Record for DUI with RIDR Program
• Reducing Impaired Driving Recidivism – Established DUI Diversion
• What is the DUI Program in Tampa Hillsborough County, Florida?
• Hillsborough County DUI Penalties

Original Reducing Impaired Driving Recidivism Announcement 2018

We just found out from Rena J. Frazier, Chief of Policy and Communication in the Office of the State Attorney 13th Judicial Circuit, “The State Attorney’s Office is commencing a new DUI initiative called Reducing Impaired Driving Recidivism (RIDR), aimed at reducing impaired driving through enhanced sanctions. RIDR will become effective on March 1, 2018.”

Reducing Impaired Driving Recidivism – RIDR

Program To Help Reduce Repeat DUI Offenders

This is breaking news. At this point, this is all we know. This includes all of Hillsborough County. Recidivism is the likelihood of a convicted criminal to carry out another crime. The new policy hopes to lessen the chance of the driver ever getting a second DUI.

This change in policy is important for drivers charged with their 1st DUI. According to Florida law, pretrial intervention programs can are available for a first time DUI driver as long as they have spoken with a lawyer, agrees to complete the program, waives the right to speedy trial, and the victim, the state, and the judge have all agreed.

Here are the DUI (Driving Under the Influence) arrest numbers for the Tampa Bay area counties based on the provided crime data for the year 2020:

1. Hillsborough County: 2,808 DUI arrests.
2. Pasco County: 661 DUI arrests.
3. Pinellas County: 2,027 DUI arrests.

These figures represent the number of individuals arrested for DUI offenses in each respective county for the specified year.

About the Researcher

If you find yourself among the statistics, facing legal challenges, or in need of guidance in criminal law matters, Casey the Lawyer is here to assist you.

If you’re facing legal challenges, Casey the Lawyer, a board-certified criminal law expert, offers unparalleled expertise. Protect your rights and future—call 813-222-2220 for a dedicated advocate. Your initial consultation is a chance to discuss your situation and chart a path forward. Reach out today for the best possible outcome.

Let us help you 813.222.2220

Let’s compare the crime data for Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties in the Tampa Bay area. These figures provide a snapshot of the crime rates in the three Tampa Bay area counties, with Hillsborough having the highest population and Pinellas having the highest number of total arrests. It’s important to note that population size can influence the raw number of crimes, so the arrest rate per 100,000 people provides a standardized measure for comparison. Additionally, specific crime categories may have different levels of severity, and interpretation should consider the context of each crime type.

Other Crimes Top Three by the Numbers

Based on the provided crime data for Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties in the Tampa Bay area for the year 2020, the three most frequently arrested crime types were:

1. Simple Assault:
   • Simple assault had a high number of arrests in all three counties. Hillsborough County had the highest number of simple assault arrests with 5,609, followed by Pinellas County and Pasco County.
2. Drug Arrests:
   • Drug-related offenses also ranked among the top arrested crime types in all three counties. Hillsborough County had the highest number of drug arrests with 3,028, followed by Pinellas County and Pasco County.
3. Larceny (Theft):
   • Larceny, which includes theft-related offenses, was one of the most frequently arrested crime types. Hillsborough County had the highest number of larceny arrests with 2,766, followed by Pinellas County and Pasco County.

These crime types were prevalent across the Tampa Bay area, and the number of arrests can be influenced by various factors such as population size, law enforcement practices, and community dynamics. It’s important to note that the severity of these offenses can vary, and the number of arrests may not necessarily reflect the overall crime rate or the number of incidents.

Tampa Bay Arrests by County

DUI:

• Hillsborough County: 2,808 DUI arrests.
• Pasco County: 661 DUI arrests.
• Pinellas County: 2,027 DUI arrests.

Drug Arrests:

• Hillsborough County: 3,028 drug arrests.
• Pasco County: 1,555 drug arrests.
• Pinellas County: 3,462 drug arrests.

Liquor Law Violations:

• Hillsborough County: 18 liquor law violations.
• Pasco County: 26 liquor law violations.
• Pinellas County: 1,227 liquor law violations.

Comparison:

• DUI: Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have higher DUI arrest numbers compared to Pasco, with Hillsborough having the highest. This could be influenced by factors such as population density, law enforcement practices, and public awareness campaigns.
• Drug Arrests: Hillsborough and Pinellas counties again have higher numbers than Pasco, with Hillsborough having the highest. This might be associated with factors such as urbanization, demographics, and law enforcement strategies.
• Liquor Law Violations: Pinellas County has a significantly higher number of liquor law violations compared to Hillsborough and Pasco. This could be influenced by the presence of entertainment districts, tourism, and the number of establishments serving alcohol.

Key Points:

• Hillsborough tends to have higher numbers in all three categories, which may be expected given its larger population.
• Pasco, with its smaller population, generally has lower numbers in these categories.
• Pinellas County, while having a smaller population than Hillsborough, often has higher numbers, particularly in DUI and liquor law violations. This could be influenced by tourism and the presence of popular entertainment areas.

It’s important to note that variations in law enforcement practices, public awareness, and other local factors can contribute to these differences. Additionally, population size should be considered when interpreting raw arrest numbers. The arrest rate per 100,000 population can provide a standardized measure for comparison across counties of different sizes.

Statistical Review of Arrests

Population:

• Hillsborough County: It has the highest population among the three counties, indicating a larger community.
• Pasco County: The population is the smallest among the three counties.
• Pinellas County: It has a sizable population, falling between Hillsborough and Pasco.

Arrest Rate per 100,000:

• Hillsborough County: The second lowest arrest rate per 100,000, indicating a moderate level of law enforcement activity relative to its population.
• Pasco County: It has the highest arrest rate per 100,000, suggesting a relatively higher law enforcement activity compared to its population.
• Pinellas County: It has the second-highest arrest rate per 100,000, indicating a substantial level of law enforcement activity.

Total Arrests:

• Hillsborough County: Has the highest total number of arrests, possibly due to its larger population.
• Pasco County: Has the lowest total number of arrests, reflecting its smaller population size.
• Pinellas County: Falls between Hillsborough and Pasco in total arrests, aligning with its mid-sized population.

Other Major Crimes:

• Murder, Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Larceny, Motor Vehicle Theft: These numbers are generally higher in Hillsborough County, reflecting its larger population.
• Manslaughter, Kidnap/Abduction, Arson, Simple Assault: Vary across the counties, with Hillsborough often having the highest numbers.
• Drug Arrests, DUI, Destruction/Vandalism, Weapons Violations, Liquor Law Violations, Miscellaneous: These figures can vary, and Pinellas County often has the highest numbers in categories like DUI, Destruction/Vandalism, Liquor Law Violations, and Miscellaneous.

Overall Impression:

• Hillsborough County: The largest population and highest total arrests but a moderate arrest rate per 100,000. It may have a more significant law enforcement presence but not excessively high relative to its population.
• Pasco County: Smallest population, lowest total arrests, but the highest arrest rate per 100,000. This could suggest a more concentrated law enforcement effort.
• Pinellas County: Mid-sized population, moderate total arrests, and the second-highest arrest rate per 100,000. It falls between Hillsborough and Pasco in most categories.

It’s crucial to interpret these comparisons with caution. Various factors can influence crime rates, including demographics, socio-economic conditions, law enforcement policies, and reporting practices. These numbers provide a snapshot but do not necessarily capture the full complexity of crime dynamics in each county.

The Numbers Game: Florida Department of Law Enforcement

The source we used for this study is the “Crime in Florida, Annual 2020 Florida Uniform Crime Report,” which is a publication by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Here is an explanation of the information in the citation:

1. Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE):
   • The FDLE is a state-level law enforcement agency in Florida, responsible for coordinating and managing law enforcement activities across the state. They collect and maintain crime data for the entire state.
2. Crime in Florida:
   • This refers to an annual report published by the FDLE that provides comprehensive crime statistics for the state of Florida. The report typically includes data on various types of crimes, arrests, and other law enforcement activities.
3. Annual 2020 Florida Uniform Crime Report:
   • This specifies the edition of the report, focusing on the year 2020. The Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program is a nationwide initiative that collects and publishes standardized crime statistics to provide a reliable measure of crime trends.
4.  FDLE:
   • Tallahassee is the capital city of Florida, and FDLE is headquartered there. This part of the citation indicates the location of the organization responsible for compiling and publishing the crime report.

Who Counts Crimes?

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is a statewide law enforcement agency in the U.S. state of Florida. It was established to provide support and coordination to law enforcement agencies and officers across the state. Here are key points about FDLE:

1. Mission: The FDLE’s mission is to “promote public safety and strengthen domestic security by providing services in partnership with local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies to prevent, investigate, and solve crimes while protecting Florida’s citizens and visitors.”
2. Roles and Responsibilities:
   • Criminal Investigations: FDLE conducts criminal investigations and assists local law enforcement agencies in solving and preventing crimes.
   • Forensic Services: It provides forensic services, including crime scene analysis, DNA testing, and other scientific analyses to aid investigations.
   • Criminal Justice Information: FDLE manages and maintains criminal justice databases and information systems.
   • Intelligence and Counterterrorism: The agency is involved in intelligence gathering and counterterrorism efforts.
   • Training and Standards: FDLE sets and maintains standards for law enforcement training and certification in the state.
3. Jurisdiction: While local law enforcement agencies handle day-to-day policing, FDLE’s jurisdiction is statewide. It plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts, especially in cases that cross jurisdictional boundaries.
4. Headquarters: FDLE is headquartered in Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida.
5. Leadership: The agency is typically led by a Commissioner, who is appointed by the Governor of Florida.
6. Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR): As part of its responsibilities, FDLE collects and publishes crime statistics through the Uniform Crime Reporting program, providing valuable data on crime trends in the state.

Overall, FDLE serves as a central coordinating agency for law enforcement activities in Florida, working in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law.

In summary, the source is an official crime report published by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, covering the year 2020 and presenting crime statistics for the state of Florida. The citation suggests that the data might be available in a computerized format, reflecting the modern approach to data management and dissemination. It’s a reliable and official source for understanding crime trends in Florida.

Who Is Making these arrests?

Hillsborough County

Here is  a list of law enforcement agencies that operate in Hillsborough County, Florida. Keep in mind that this list might not be exhaustive, and there may be other agencies or updates that have occurred since January 2022.

Here are some of the main law enforcement agencies in Hillsborough County:

1. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO):
   • The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the unincorporated areas of Hillsborough County.
2. Tampa Police Department:
   • Responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of Tampa.
3. Plant City Police Department:
   • Responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of Plant City.
4. Temple Terrace Police Department:
   • Responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of Temple Terrace.
5. University of South Florida Police Department:
   • Provides law enforcement services for the University of South Florida campus.
6. Florida Highway Patrol (FHP):
   • Statewide agency responsible for enforcing traffic laws on Florida’s highways. It also operates in Hillsborough County.
7. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC):
   • Responsible for enforcing laws related to wildlife and outdoor activities. They may also be involved in law enforcement on waterways and in parks.
8. Hillsborough Community College Police Department:
   • Provides law enforcement services for Hillsborough Community College campuses.

For the most up-to-date and comprehensive list, I recommend checking the official websites of Hillsborough County, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the individual city police departments. Additionally, you may contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for statewide law enforcement information.

Pinellas County

Here is a general list of law enforcement agencies that operate in Pinellas County, Florida. Keep in mind that this list might not be exhaustive, and there may be other agencies or updates that have occurred since  January 2022.

Here are some of the main law enforcement agencies in Pinellas County:

1. Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office:
   • The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the unincorporated areas of Pinellas County.
2. St. Petersburg Police Department:
   • Responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of St. Petersburg.
3. Clearwater Police Department:
   • Responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of Clearwater.
4. Largo Police Department:
   • Responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of Largo.
5. Pinellas Park Police Department:
   • Responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of Pinellas Park.
6. Dunedin Police Department:
   • Responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of Dunedin.
7. Tarpon Springs Police Department:
   • Responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of Tarpon Springs.
8. Florida Highway Patrol (FHP):
   • Statewide agency responsible for enforcing traffic laws on Florida’s highways. It also operates in Pinellas County.
9. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC):
   • Responsible for enforcing laws related to wildlife and outdoor activities. They may also be involved in law enforcement on waterways and in parks.

For the most up-to-date and comprehensive list, I recommend checking the official websites of Pinellas County, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the individual city police departments. Additionally, you may contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for statewide law enforcement information.

Pasco County

Here is a general list of law enforcement agencies that typically operate in Pasco County, Florida. Keep in mind that this list might not be exhaustive, and there may be other agencies or updates that have occurred since my last training data in January 2022.

Here are some of the main law enforcement agencies in Pasco County:

1. Pasco County Sheriff’s Office:
   • The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the unincorporated areas of Pasco County.
2. New Port Richey Police Department:
   • Responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of New Port Richey.
3. Port Richey Police Department:
   • Responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of Port Richey.
4. Dade City Police Department:
   • Responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of Dade City.
5. Zephyrhills Police Department:
   • Responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of Zephyrhills.
6. Florida Highway Patrol (FHP):
   • Statewide agency responsible for enforcing traffic laws on Florida’s highways. It also operates in Pasco County.
7. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC):
   • Responsible for enforcing laws related to wildlife and outdoor activities. They may also be involved in law enforcement on waterways and in parks.

For the most up-to-date and comprehensive list, I recommend checking the official websites of Pasco County, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and the individual city police departments. Additionally, you may contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for statewide law enforcement information.

Call For Help

If you find yourself among the statistics, facing legal challenges, or in need of guidance in criminal law matters, Casey the Lawyer is here to assist you. As a board-certified expert in criminal law, Casey brings unparalleled expertise to navigate the complexities of your case. Your rights and future matter, and Casey is dedicated to providing the strategic counsel you deserve. Don’t face the legal system alone—call Casey the Lawyer at 813-222-2220 for a knowledgeable and experienced advocate on your side. Your initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss your situation, understand your options, and chart a path forward. Reach out today to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

Let us help you 813.222.2220

Other Sources in this Criminal Arrest Study

Law enforcement agencies in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties, and you can search for their websites separately. Here are the agencies:

Hillsborough County:

1. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office:
   • HCSO Website
2. Tampa Police Department:
   • TPD Website
3. Plant City Police Department:
   • Plant City PD Website
4. Temple Terrace Police Department:
   • Temple Terrace PD Website

Pasco County:

1. Pasco County Sheriff’s Office:
   • PCSO Website
2. New Port Richey Police Department:
   • NPRPD Website
3. Port Richey Police Department:
   • Port Richey PD Website
4. Dade City Police Department:
   • Dade City PD Website

Pinellas County:

1. Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office:
   • PCSO Website
2. St. Petersburg Police Department:
   • St. Pete PD Website
3. Clearwater Police Department:
   • Clearwater PD Website
4. Largo Police Department:
   • Largo PD Website

Please note that the URLs provided are simplified and may not be the exact URLs for the agencies’ websites. You can use search engines or visit the respective city or county websites to find the most accurate and up-to-date information on the law enforcement agencies in these areas.

Let us help you 813.222.2220

“Hillsborough County has the highest conviction rate”

Recently obtained statistics for conviction of driving under the influence in the major counties in the Tampa Bay area. We considered Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties.

We thought we would ask three questions:

• First, which county has the highest conviction rate?
• Second, which county has the most DUI charges in the Bay Area?
• Third, which county dismissed the most DUI charges?

Which Tampa Bay Area county has the highest conviction rate?

As for which county has the highest conviction rate. In an election year, this is an important statistic. Hillsborough County has a hotly contested race for the state attorney’s office and has the highest DUI conviction rate at 79.6%. Pinellas County’s DUI conviction rate was very close at 79.3%. Pasco County brought up the rear with only a 62.1% conviction rate.

Which county has the most DUI charges in the Tampa Bay Area?

Hillsborough County had the highest number of DUI charges in 2015 with 4,111 charges.  The Florida Highway Patrol had 652 charges in Hillsborough County. The Hillsborough County local police departments had 1722 and the Sheriff’s Office had 1731 .

Second in the number of bay area criminal cases for DUI was Pinellas County which had 3355 DUI charges.  The total number of DUI charges for the Three Counties in this study was 8623.

In The Tampa Bay Area Which County Dismissed The Most DUI charges?

Pasco County Florida dismissed the most DUI charges. Nearly 1 in every 10 charges are dismissed. There was an average conviction rate of 77.15% for drivers charged with driving under the influence in the three counties we studied.

So on average, the odds of getting a DUI charge dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge is about one in four. We have included the raw data for you to study. That is available at this link for the Tampa Bay DUI statistics. We have also included a summary in the chart below. We do not have data for Polk County DUI‘s yet.

What are your thoughts on conviction rates for DUI in the Tampa Bay area?  

“the odds of getting a DUI charge dismissed or  reduced to a lesser charge is about one in four”

Here are the data we used to calculate Tampa Bay DUI Convictions by the Numbers. The source of the data was https://services.flhsmv.gov/SpecialtyPlates/UniformTrafficCitationReport

Summary of Data in Tampa Bay DUI Convictions by the Numbers Study

Complete Data Used in this Driving Under the Influence Study

To estimate your Breath Alcohol Concentration, use this.

The Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit just developed their own DUI Diversion Program. Therefore, we will look at some of Florida’s already established DUI diversion programs. The 8th, 9th, 11th & 15th Circuit Courts all use DUI Diversion for a driver’s first DUI charge. Furthermore, each Circuit Court has different admission rules and distinct program requirements. Update: This Hillsborough County program started March 1, 2018. You can read about what the state’s attorney is looking for, what you might need to know, who is eligible and why you might want to be a part of this program.

Admission Requirements Are Confusing

First of all, some of the confusion of this process is shown below. Since each county has developed their program independently, the demands on the DUI driver differ. Therefore for help, call (813) 222-2220. In Orange and Osceola Counties, only legal U.S. residents can join the DUI Diversion Program. As a result, a tourist, a foreign national or someone on an F1 student visa charged with a DUI could never enter the DUI Diversion program in the Ninth Circuit Court. In Miami-Dade County, there is no upper limit on your breath alcohol concentration (BAC) to make you ineligible. But that same county requires that you sign a statement of guilt before entering. Three of the Circuit Courts (8th, 11th, and 15th) will refuse your admission if a child or animal was with you in the vehicle at the time of the charge. Another difference is that only the 8th Circuit Court will use drunken aggression as a reason to deny your access to the program.

Hillsborough County, Florida DUI Arrest Contest Winners

Before you believe that officers do not have an incentive to arrest for Florida DUI in the Tampa Bay area – DUI Attorney W.F. ”Casey” Ebsary, Jr. noted there was a recent DUI Award Banquet Honoring Florida Highway Patrol Officers with Over 100 DUI Arrests, according to MADD.  They used to post these awards online until we started asking award winners about these contests in court –  here was the old link http://www.madd.org/chapter/1200_2981 .

Also awarded were officers with over a 1000 arrests.

There were 13 contest winners at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HSCO) . There were 16 contest winners at the Tampa Police Department (TPD) . These were just the officers who got over a hundred in the year. There are others with less.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Jackie Brock Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Beau Dobson Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy James Glover Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Carolyn Jolly Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Carl McCalla Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Jimmy McDowell Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Matthew McMurphy Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Felix Moret Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Lawrence Morrell Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Shawn Morrey Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Kevin Stabins Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Candace Steinmeir Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Anthony Watson Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Tampa Police Department

Officer Ferdinand Barbosa Tampa Police Department
Officer James Blanchard Tampa Police Department
Corporal Edwin Bodamer Tampa Police Department
Officer Kristie Borgo Tampa Police Department
Master Patrol Officer Steven Buchanan Tampa Police Department
Officer Peter Bucher Tampa Police Department
Officer Steven Cragg Tampa Police Department
Corporal Douglas Groves Tampa Police Department
Officer Juan Melo Tampa Police Department
Officer Anthony Portman Tampa Police Department
Master Patrol Officer Brian Reschke Tampa Police Department
Master Patrol Officer Kenneth Setser Tampa Police Department
Officer Joseph Sustek Tampa Police Department
Master Patrol Officer Dean Uno Tampa Police Department
Master Patrol Officer John Vallejo Tampa Police Department
Master Patrol Officer Steven Wilson Tampa Police Department

1000+ DUI Awards

Deputy Jackie Brock Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Lloyd Hyder Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Felix Moret Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Lawrence Morrell Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Paul Shute Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Gregory Williams Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Officer James Blanchard Tampa Police Department Office

Master Patrol Officer Steven Buchanan Tampa Police Department

Officer Juan Melo Tampa Police Department Office

Officer Anthony Portman Tampa Police Department Office

Master Patrol Officer Kenneth Setser Tampa Police Department Office

Master Patrol Officer John Vallejo Tampa Police Department Office

Master Patrol Officer Steven Wilson Tampa Police Department Office