Tier 1 of Orange County Pretrial Intervention DUI Program

The State Attorney’s Office has established a specialized DUI Program to promote community safety while allowing eligible accused persons an opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction. First-time, non-aggravated DUI offenders may be eligible for diversion, which is structured into two distinct tiers. This article explains the requirements for Tier One.

If you were arrested for DUI in Orange County, contact attorney Jocelyn Dopson-Rodriguez at Sammis Law Firm. Our office is conveniently located at 1950 Lee Rd, Suite 208, Winter Park, FL 32789, near the Winter Park Branch Courthouse.

We provide a free consultation to discuss the criminal charge pending against you and the best defenses. We understand the standard operating procedures of local law enforcement agencies in Orange County, FL. Let us put our experience to work for you.

Call 407-598-9011 today.

Tier One (General) Program Details

Designed for first-time DUI offenders whose cases do not involve enhancement criteria, successful completion of all program conditions results in the case being dropped.

• Driving Pattern: The driving pattern or decision to drive must not have created a serious threat to public safety.

• Collisions: The case must not have involved a collision or crash.

• Prior History: There can be no prior alcohol-related driving history, regardless of the disposition of the charge.

• Prior Diversion: The accused must not have previously participated in a DUI diversion program.

• BAC Limits: The breath or blood alcohol test and average result must be less than 0.15.

  (Note: Notwithstanding the above criteria, eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Supervising Assistant State Attorney).

Pretrial Intervention Level 1 Structure and Requirements

This structured alternative to traditional prosecution is administered by the State Attorney’s Office in partnership with Advent eLearning. The State agrees to defer prosecution of the criminal case for 90 days while the participant completes specific requirements.

• Getting Started: The State Attorney’s Office reviews criminal records, current charges, and case facts. Eligible individuals receive a letter or notification with a QR code to register via Advent eLearning, complete the registration application, and provide valid identification documentation.

• Identification Requirements: U.S. citizens must provide a driver’s license, ID card, or U.S. passport. Non-U.S. citizens must provide legal status documents, such as a passport and visa, asylum documentation, or legal permanent resident documents.

• Duration & Extensions: Once approved, participants have 90 days to complete the program. Program extension requests are reviewed case-by-case and must be requested prior to the participant’s due date; any requests made after the deadline will be denied.

• Community Service: Community service hours can be completed at any verified non-profit organization.

• Outcomes: Successful completion results in the State Attorney’s Office dropping the charges. Failure to complete results in removal from the program and the continuation of prosecution.

Pretrial Intervention Fees and Costs

Participants must pay a program fee, a $25 donation to Central Florida Crimeline, course costs, and any applicable costs of investigation (paid directly to the arresting or assisting law enforcement agency).