DUI: First-Time Offender Program Explained
I recently helped a DUI client in Palm Beach Countysuccessfully enter Florida’s first-time offender DUI program, an excellent opportunity for eligible individuals to reduce the long-term consequences of a DUI charge.
✅ Who Qualifies?
Eligibility for the Palm Beach County DUI diversion programdepends on several key factors, including:
- A breath test result under 0.20
- No minorspresent in the vehicle at the time of the offense
- No crash or accidentinvolved in the DUI arrest
Meeting these criteria may allow you to enter the program and avoid a DUI conviction on your record.
Arrested for DUI in South Florida?
🔄 What Does the Program Involve?
Participants must complete four main requirements within two months:
- 20 hours of community service
- Completion of an online victim impact panel
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
- Enrollment and completion of DUI school
Upon successful completion, the DUI charge is reduced to reckless driving, and adjudication is withheld, meaning you avoid a formal conviction on your record — and the charge becomes eligible for sealing under Florida law. This gives first-time offenders a valuable opportunity to keep their record clean and protect future employment and housing opportunities.
📋 Probation & Tiers
Although participants in the program are technically not placed on formal probation, they are required to complete all of the standard conditions of DUI probation. This includes abstaining from alcohol, complying with supervision requirements, and completing any court-ordered tasks within the pretrial program structure.
The program uses a tiered systembased on your breath test results:
- Tier 1:For those who tested below 0.15— lighter supervision and conditions
- Tier 2:For those with results between 0.15 and 0.20— more intensive requirements
This structure allows the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Officeto offer meaningful accountability while giving first-time DUI offenders a second chance through pretrial diversion.
💡 Facing a DUI in Palm Beach County?
If you or someone you know has been charged with DUI in Palm Beach County or anywhere in South Florida, the first-time offender programmight be an option worth exploring. It could mean the difference between a permanent DUI conviction and a second chance.
📞Call us today at (954) 270-0769or contact us through our website to find out if you qualify and how we can help guide you through the process.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first-time DUI offender program in Palm Beach County?
The first-time offender program is a pretrial diversion option that allows eligible individuals to complete conditions in exchange for a reduced charge of reckless driving with adjudication withheld.
Who qualifies for the DUI diversion program in Palm Beach County?
Eligibility typically requires a breath test result under 0.20, no minors in the vehicle, and no crash or injury involved in the DUI incident.
What are the benefits of the DUI first-time offender program?
If you complete the program, your DUI is reduced to reckless driving, adjudication is withheld, and the charge becomes eligible for sealing under Florida law.
Is probation required in the DUI diversion program?
Participants are not placed on formal probation but must still complete all standard DUI probation conditions as part of the pretrial program.
Can I seal my record after completing the Palm Beach County DUI program?
Yes. If your DUI is reduced to reckless driving and adjudication is withheld, you may qualify to have the charge sealed under Florida law—keeping it off most background checks.
