A Diversion program for rapid resolution of first-time DUI and BUI offenses

The State Attorney has instituted this supervised, comprehensive program for first time, misdemeanor DUI and BUI offenders. This is a voluntary program that requires the first-time offender to complete the statutory DUI or BUI sanctions, including any recommended substance abuse treatment and frequent, random testing for substance abuse. Any recommended sanction and disposition are subject to approval of the Court.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Please read the documents linked to this page carefully for all program details. Eligibility is determined by the State Attorney’s Office after submission of an application to participate in D.R.O.P.

A defendant can be eligible for D.R.O.P. if:

• The breath or blood sample provided does not exceed .150; or the defendant refused to provide a breath, blood, or urine sample. No BAC or BrAC extrapolation is permitted.
• There is no crash with bodily injury or significant property damage.
• There were no minor children in the defendant’s vehicle.
• The defendant’s DUI/BUI charge does not have an accompanying Leaving the Scene of a Crash charge.
• The defendant’s DUI/BUI charge does not have an accompanying felony charge.
• The defendant does not have any pending charges and is not currently on any form of supervision or release status, such as probation or parole.
• The defendant does not have a prior conviction for DUI/BUI or similar offense, including those that were resolved by diversion program or a reduced charge.
• The defendant had a valid driver’s license on the date of the offense.
• The defendant does not have a CDL.

 

How to apply

Applications are due at or before the second pre-trial hearing.

The 3 documents required to apply to D.R.O.P. are linked in the Downloadable Forms below. Applicants must submit (1) DROP Application, (2) Statement of Prior Record, (3) Waiver of Speedy Trial, and (4) a $50 money order or cashier’s check made payable to the State of Florida to be considered for DROP acceptance. For the program's specifics, please see the DROP Program Information (PDF).

If on the date of the DUI/BUI offense, the defendant possessed a driver’s license issued by a state other than Florida, the defendant must provide the State with his/her complete driver record.

If the defendant has a prior DUI/BUI arrest, the defendant must provide the State with court documents showing the prior case was disposed in a manner which would still allow D.R.O.P. participation (see Eligibility Criteria above).

 

Downloadable Forms

1. DROP Application (fillable PDF)
2. Statement of Prior Record (fillable PDF)
3. One of the following, depending on whether defendant is represented by an attorney.
   1. Unrepresented defendants: Written Plea of Not Guilty and Waiver of Speedy Trial (fillable PDF)
   2. Represented defendants: Waiver of Speedy Trial (fillable PDF)
4. DROP Class Verification Form (fillable PDF)

 

• DROP Program Information (PDF)
• Program Flyer (PDF)
• DROP Community Service Partners - Pinellas County
• DROP Community Service Partners - Pasco County

 

Things to know

The 20 Community Service hours must be completed and cannot be bought out. If you live in another county or state, you must complete the 20 Community Service hours at an equivalent location in your county or state.

Bring the DUI Program Class Verification Form to DUI School. The program provider/instructor should document your successful completion of the education component of the DUI School. You are responsible for submitting the completed form to the State Attorney’s Office for consideration.

 

Have questions?

DUI cases occurring in Pasco County

New Port Richey: Contact Bryan Doeg at 727.847.8051 

Dade City: Contact Scott Rosenwasser at 352.521.4331

or send an email to DiversionPasco@flsa6.gov 

 

DUI cases occurring in Pinellas County

Contact the DROP Program Specialist at 727.464.6803

or send an email to DiversionPinellas@flsa6.gov