Sarasota DUI Court Fights Repeat Offenders

Sarasota County's specialized DUI Court program, established in June 2008, works to reduce repeat Driving Under the Influence offenses. The program offers community-based treatment and aims to increase public safety. It targets individuals charged with a DUI who have prior alcohol or drug-related arrest records and are identified as dependent.

The Sarasota DUI Court operates with support from the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners and the Criminal Justice Commission. It incorporates immediate accountability, mandatory counseling, case management, drug and alcohol testing, and community supervision, along with a graduated sanction and reward structure.

Participants enter supervised probation for at least one year after accepting their plea. During this time, they must follow Florida Statutes 316.193 and 322.28 and complete all DUI Court program phases. Weekly team staffings monitor progress, with the judge and team members reviewing reports to determine rewards and sanctions. Participants pay program costs, including an initial $100 administrative fee and $200 monthly fees.

The program follows a structured, multi-phase approach. Phase I, Orientation, lasts approximately 45 days and includes mandatory jail time, weekly court appearances, clinical and mental health assessments, case management meetings, probation orientation, home visits, frequent random alcohol/drug screens, support group meetings, and individual counseling. To advance to Phase II, participants must complete jail time, assessments, be sober for at least 14 consecutive days, pay an assessment fee, and sign a Phase II contract.

Phase II, Early Recovery, spans about 90 days and requires adherence to treatment rules, weekly court appearances, continued case management, probation meetings, random testing, enrollment in DUI School and Victim Impact Panel, and maintaining employment or completing community service. Phase III, Maintenance and Relapse Prevention, lasts approximately 115 days with bi-weekly court appearances and continued counseling and support meetings.