Avoid A Conviction For A First-Time DUI With The Miami-Dade “Back On Track Program”

Have you been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI)? If this is your first offense, it is possible that it was all a big mistake. You’ve learned your lesson and feel that you deserve a second chance instead of a harsh DUI conviction. Fortunately, Miami-Dade County has recently initiated a new “Back on Track Program” for eligible first-time DUI offenders.

Anyone who meets the criteria and is not a repeat DUI offender may be able to go through the program instead of being convicted and suffering the consequent penalties and criminal record. The program is strict, as are its requirements for entry, and the duration before successful completion can be anywhere from six months to one year.

Eligibility For The Back On Track Program

Several criteria as spelled out below must be met for someone to be eligible to go through the “Back on Track” diversion program instead of facing conviction or trial litigation.

• Most importantly, this must be the defendant’s first DUI arrest in his or her lifetime.
• They cannot have been responsible for causing an accident or injuries.
• They aren’t eligible if minors were in the car when they were arrested for driving drunk.
• Law enforcement agents must not have found open alcohol containers in the vehicle.
• If the individual has a criminal record, it cannot exceed one felony without a violence factor or two convictions for misdemeanor crimes.

If a defendant has already completed a misdemeanor diversion program, this should have happened only once, and they cannot have been driving on a suspended license at the time of their DUI arrest.

Sometimes a client will be ineligible as a result of the driving pattern alleged during the DUI arrest (such as reckless driving or a high rate of speed). A full analysis of the defendant’s entire driving record will be presented in court. If the defendant has too many previous points on his or her driving record or previous reckless driving cases, they might be ineligible. If the defendant’s breathalyzer results are higher than .25, they will not be eligible for the program. The government will perform a nationwide background check on every defendant before deciding whether or not to offer the program.

Getting Into The Back On Track Program

As a result of limiting our practice of DUI to Miami-Dade County, at Beckham Solis, we are thoroughly familiar with the Back on Track program. Please see the video section of our website to see local media interviewing Justin Beckham in court the first day the government unveiled the “Back on Track” program. Keep in mind that the program does have its costs, risks and pitfalls.

The program involves heavy fines ($1,500 – $2,500 on average), completion of a substance abuse program and counseling, community service, drug testing, possible installations of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, and more. A Miami back-on-track attorney from our firm can help you make the most beneficial decision for your case. Choosing the program could help you avoid a conviction, jail time and a criminal record.

Anyone can claim to be an “expert” regarding the “Back on Track” program, but the real skill is qualifying people for the program who do not originally qualify. See here for a list of people who did not qualify for the program, OR people who the government kicked out of the program, but after hiring our firm, we were able to enroll the defendant with successful completion.

Consult A DUI Attorney In Miami

Beckham Solis, Attorneys at Law, has deep roots in the local community. We only handle cases in Miami-Dade, and our offices are strategically located five minutes from the courthouse. We have helped countless clients fight their DUI charges. As trial attorneys, we have extensive experience in the courtroom and are thoroughly familiar with the local courts, judges, and prosecutors. Your best interests are our main concern, and we will go the extra mile to ensure that your charges are dropped, your case dismissed, or that your charges are at least reduced.

Call now at 305-564-4329 or send us a message online to set up a consultation with a Miami DUI lawyer. The sooner you contact us, the better.