Diane Katz Santarelli, from St. Johns, began serving a 364-day sentence this week, after having been found guilty of hosting an open house party that led to the death of two teens. The sentence was the maximum allowable for the two misdemeanor which Judge Richard O. Watson found her guilty of. [Read more…]
Thousands of DUI Convictions Possibly Based on Flawed Test Results
According to Tampa Bay’s 10 News, a problem with breathalyzer tests may have led to “thousands” of people in Florida being convicted of DUI when they weren’t drunk at all. The problem is in the calibration of the machine, and in the fact that the state knew about the problem and did nothing to remedy it. [Read more…]
Miami-Dade Begins Second Chance for 1st Time DUI Offenders
In the coming weeks a new program will be rolling out in Miami-Dade. “Back on Track” is designed to give first-time DUI offenders a second chance. It’s a diversion program that will allow those with a otherwise clean record to avoid a conviction while saving the local courts some time and money. [Read more…]
Florida School Teacher’s DUI Goes Awry
A elementary school teacher from South Florida is facing a long list of charges after what would’ve been a simple DUI went wrong. When intoxicated, people can make odd choices and act in ways not typical of their personality. This seems to have potentially been the case with the teacher in question. [Read more…]
Miami Dolphin Arrested for DUI
The cornerback for the Dolphins was arrested last week for DUI after reportedly coming just feet from hitting a police car at a roadblock. According to the Sun Sentinel, the football player ignored detour signs near a roadblock and instead drove right up to the squad car blocking the road. [Read more…]
Ineffective DUI Sobriety Checkpoints
More news on the ineffectiveness of sobriety checkpoints, or DUI roadblocks as they are commonly called. [Read more…]
Alleged Florida Drunk Driver Causes 7 Accidents
A Florida man is facing a slew of charges after he led police on a high speed chase, causing multiple accidents, all while allegedly being under the influence of alcohol. [Read more…]
Two Bicycling Florida DUIs in One Day
In a very rare occurrence, two DUI arrests were made this week in Spring Hill. What made the arrests unique were the vehicles being operated. In both arrests, which occurred in the early morning hours of September 1st, the accused was riding a bicycle. [Read more…]
FL DUI with Accident Results in DUI Manslaughter Charges 6 Months Later
An unfortunate accident late last year ended in the deaths of 5 migrant workers on their way to work.
The alleged at-fault driver was 67 year old Nokomis resident Ewing Alfred Saunders. Saunders has just been charged with 5 counts of DUI manslaughter in connection with the accident and is now being held without bond. [Read more…]
DUI Courts Mean a 2nd Chance in Some Florida Counties
Getting charged with a DUI once is a difficult and seriously stressful experience. Being arrested and charged on a 2nd or third offense DUI can land someone in jail for an extended period of time and change their life dramatically.
Some counties in Florida are helping DUI offenders get the treatment they need with a second chance and a path that leads to sobriety. The goal is to reduce the incidents of 2nd or 3rd offense DUI charges in Florida, which are often the result of alcohol addiction problems.
Currently only active in three counties, DUI courts are typically available for multiple time DUI offenders. They seek to give people help rather than simply push them through the court system. [Read more…]