Polk County D.U.I. Drug Court

The D.U.I. Drug Court was created on October 1, 2006, for individuals accused of repeat offenses for DUI under Administrative Order No. 2-71.0. When the program was created, the State Attorney’s Office in Polk County, FL, developed its own admission criteria.

Prosecutors in Polk County, FL, use the criteria when deciding whether to offer a person accused of multiple DUI offenses the DUI/Drug Court option as part of a negotiated plea offer.

The DUI Court combines strict, three-times-a-week testing for alcohol and drug use with the promise of less jail time for those who complete the program. If accepted, the defendant’s case will be transferred to the Judge presiding over DUI/Drug Court to take the plea and sentence accordingly. The DUI/Drug Court shall be a condition of the offender’s probation.

If accepted, the defendant’s case will be transferred to the Judge presiding over DUI/Drug Court to take the plea and sentence accordingly. The DUI/Drug Court requirements become a condition of the offender’s probation.

Attorney for DUI Drug Court in Polk County, FL

For many people, entering the DUI Drug Court is not the best choice to resolve the case. Contact an experienced DUI defense attorney for Polk County, FL, for more information about your options for resolving the case under the best possible terms.

Entering the DUI Drug court is extremely expensive in both time and money. Beginning August 1, 2010, participants in DUI/Drug Court are required to pay a monthly treatment fee of up to $200 per month directly to the DUI/Drug Court program. That fee is in addition to the cost assessed under §938.21, Florida Statutes, and §938.23, Florida Statutes.

Call 813-250-0500.

Rules for the Polk County DUI Drug Court

As part of entering the program, the defendant should be provided with a copy of the Rules and Possible Sanctions that may be imposed for any violation of the program requirements. Any violations shall be considered a Violation of Probation, and the presiding judge may impose any sanctions, including termination from the program, and sentence the offender according to law.

The program provides judicial oversight, probated supervision, and outpatient treatment. The program uses a “one Judge, one team” approach to blend the experience of professionals on the team.

The Polk County Drug Court Team includes the judge, the Assistant State Attorneys, County Probation Officers, the Manager of Problem Solving Court, the Clinical Coordinator, the D.U.I./Adult Counselor, and the Case Manager

The D.U.I. Drug Court has a set of rules and procedures that control the compliance and progress of participants in the program. Upon acceptance of the defendant’s plea to the D.U.I. charge, the defendant is placed on supervised probation.

While on probation, the defendant in DUI Drug Court must comply with the statutory requirements of Florida Statues 316.193 and 322.28 and complete all phases of D.U.I. Drug Court.

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Requirements of the D.U.I. Drug Court

The DUI Drug Court has three phases. The time to complete each phase represents the minimum time. The actual time spent in any phase depends upon individual participation, compliance, and progress. Before progressing into Phase III, the participant must obtain a Support Group sponsor.

Phase l of D.U.I. Drug Court

Requirements Misdemeanor/14 weeks Felony/28 Weeks

• Bi-weekly court appearances;
• Attend a minimum of two hours of group/individual therapy sessions one time per week;
• Attend a minimum of four Support Group meetings per week. Additional meetings may be required upon treatment team recommendation;
• Submit to a minimum of three random alcohol/drug screens per week;
• Comply with additional requirements recommended by the treatment team; and
• Pay all fees/costs associated with the program.

Phase ll of D.U.I Drug Court

Requirements Misdemeanor/22 weeks Felony/44 weeks

• Bi-weekly court appearances;
• Attend a minimum of two hours of group/individual therapy sessions one time per week;
• Attend a minimum of three Support Group meetings per week;
• Additional meetings may be required upon treatment team recommendation;
• Submit to a minimum of two random alcohol/drug screens per week;
• Comply with additional requirements recommended by the treatment team; and
• Pay all fees/costs associated with the program.

Phase III of D.U.I Drug Court

Requirements Misdemeanor/16 weeks Felony/32 weeks

• Monthly court appearances;
• Attend a minimum of two hours of group/individual therapy sessions one time per week;
• Attend a minimum of three Support Group meetings per week. Additional meetings may be required upon treatment team recommendation;
• Submit to a minimum of one random alcohol/drug screen per week;
• Comply with additional requirements recommended by the treatment team;
• Pay all fees/costs associated with the program; and
• Develop a relapse prevention plan.

Duties of the Drug Court DUI Counselor / Therapist in Polk County, FL

The Drug Court DUI Counselor/Therapist provides direct and indirect services to clients experiencing chemical abuse, dependency, and related problems. The Drug Court DUI Counselor/Therapist works under the supervision of the Clinical Coordinator.

The duties of the therapist or counselor in DUI Drug Court in Polk County include:

• completing screening, intake evaluations, and assessments on all prospective offenders for Drug Court Treatment;
• formulating treatment plans, evaluating progress through the phases of the Drug Court Treatment Program;
• providing individual and group counseling as well as case management services to clients enrolled in the Drug Court Treatment Program;
• proving outpatient counseling;
• providing appropriate liaison and referral to various social and governmental agencies;
• maintaining clinical records and documentation on all clients;
• monitoring Drug Court client fees and ensuring prompt payment;
• performing urinalysis testing as needed; and
• attending status hearings as set by the Drug Court judge.

This article was last updated on Friday, May 26, 2023.