Criminal Defense
Since 1993
Since 1993
A Guide to the Seminole County First-Time DUI Offender Program
I have good news for those facing a first-time DUI charge in Seminole County, Florida. The State Attorney’s Office there has a formal DUI offender program called “FTOP” or First Time Offender’s Program. While different from the ones in Orange and Osceola counties, FTOP is still a very good opportunity to protect your record.
Entry into this program is not automatic and often requires skillful negotiation, but it provides a clear path to a positive outcome. My name is John Guidry, and I want to walk you through how this program works.
Facing Your First DUI in Seminole County? This program could be your path to avoiding a permanent DUI conviction. Call my office to find out if you qualify and to begin the negotiation process. Call John Guidry: (407) 423-1117
The Goal: A Reduction to Reckless Driving
The primary benefit of this program is that it allows you to avoid a DUI conviction. Instead of dropping the charge entirely, the State agrees to reduce your DUI to a “Reckless Driving, Alcohol Related.” The program is divided into two tiers, depending on the facts of your case.
Tier 1: For Breath/Blood Results Under 0.15
This is the less intensive level of the program. To qualify, your breath or blood alcohol level (BAL) must have been below a 0.15.
- The Outcome: Your DUI is reduced to Reckless Driving, and you receive a “withhold of adjudication,” meaning you are not formally convicted.
- The Conditions: You will be placed on 6 months of probation and must complete DUI School, a Victim Awareness Program (like MADD or YouImpact), 20 hours of community service, and pay standard fines and court costs. There is no early termination of this probation.
Tier 2: For Breath/Blood Results 0.15 or Higher, or a Refusal
This tier is for cases with a higher BAL or for individuals who refused to provide a breath, blood, or urine sample.
- The Outcome: You still get the DUI reduced to Reckless Driving and still receive a withhold of adjudication.
- The Conditions: The probation is longer, at 9 months. You must complete the same classes, but the community service requirement is increased to 50 hours. The fines and costs are the same, but there is one significant addition: a 10-day vehicle immobilization or impoundment. This means the car you were driving at the time of the arrest will either have a “boot” placed on it or be impounded at a tow lot for 10 days. Again, no early termination of probation.
The Two Biggest Benefits of This Program
The beauty of the Seminole County program lies in two long-term advantages:
- No Conviction & No Points: Because you receive a “withhold of adjudication,” you are not a convicted felon or misdemeanant. This also means you will not receive any points on your driver’s license for the reckless driving charge.
- Your Record Can Be Sealed: Once you successfully complete probation, you are eligible to have the entire record of the arrest sealed. This means it can be removed from public view on background checks, as if it never even happened.
Navigating the local court system and its unique programs is what I have been doing for clients in Central Florida since 1993. If you are facing a DUI in Seminole County, call my office. Let’s talk about getting you into this program.
And now that you’ve finished reading this, don’t let the learning end, here’s some videos that take a deeper dive into DUI diversion programs in Central Florida, check out “DUI Diversion in Central Florida: What They Don’t Tell You” and “The Risks of Diversion Programs: What You Need to Know First“.
About John Guidry II
John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.
Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.
Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.
When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.