No News is Good News? Finally, Some Happy Legal Updates for Orlando.

By: John Guidry

I went to public schools through the eighth grade, but for high school, my parents sent me kicking and screaming to an all-boys Jesuit (Catholic) High School. I grew to love the place, but leaving my old friends was tough. (I’m pretty sure that’s what my parents had in mind. It worked, by the way).

One cool thing about going to a school run by priests and nuns is that you get to know a few priests and nuns. They are interesting people.

One particular nun really enjoyed teaching testosterone-filled young men (redundant, as I suppose all high schools are chock-full o’ hormones). Prior to arriving at my school, she had been locked away in a monastery for the last decade.

• No communication with the outside world.
• No newspaper.
• No phone.
• No television.
• No nothing (other than the other nuns, of course).

The “News” Dilemma This sequestered way of life seemed insane to me. In my youth, I was so wrapped up in the news cycle and current events that I couldn’t imagine spending a decade without the news. News is “important,” right?

I asked her once, “What if something important happened? How would you know?” She said, “If anything important happened, someone in the town would walk up the hill, knock on the door, and explain what was going on. And that never happened.”

Basically, this nun survived a decade without one bit of news. Not one TV show. Nothing.

I now understand where she was coming from because I also no longer watch the news (as best I am able). It has taken me over 30 years to get there, but I’ve arrived. The news cycle is rarely uplifting, and I am happier without it.

Facing a drug charge in Orange or Osceola County?

New programs might get your case dismissed quickly. Call John today at (407) 423-1117.

Finally, Some Good News

Now for the hypocrisy, of sorts. It brings me great joy to bring you some happy news.

Congratulations to the State Attorney’s Office in Orange and Osceola County. They are rolling out new diversion programs that start in August. These programs address drug charges, and they are a substantial improvement over the previous system.

For those unfamiliar, a Diversion Program allows defendants with a fairly clean criminal background to have their charges completely dismissed once program requirements are completed.

For the first time in my 26 years of practice, the State Attorney is extending diversion offers to those accused of felony possession of cannabis with intent to sell or deliver. This is a massive shift.

The New Three-Level System

The new diversion program is split into three levels based on the offense and the needs of the defendant.

Level 1: Misdemeanor Drug Diversion

This level offers minimal punishment and provides education for individuals who committed the offenses of misdemeanor possession of cannabis and/or drug paraphernalia.

• The Requirement: Completion of a one-hour cannabis education class.
• The Result: Case dismissed.
• Why it’s awesome: You watch a video on the hazards of drugs (often available on the State Attorney’s website), and once you are finished, you are done. No 6-12 months of probation, no 25 hours of community service, and no random drug testing like the old days.

Level 2: Felony Drug Diversion

This level covers simple possession charges, including:

• Felony possession of cocaine or heroin.
• Cannabis over 20 grams.
• Possession of cannabis with intent to sell or deliver (New!).
• The Requirements:
  • 4 hours of substance abuse education (can be online).
  • 2 hours of face-to-face substance abuse education.
  • 4 hours of community service.
  • Must be completed before the first scheduled pretrial conference.
  • Must stay out of trouble for 6 months.

Level 3: Addiction Treatment

This level covers the same drug cases as above but applies to folks with a drug addiction that requires treatment.

• The Requirements: Participation in Drug Court or individualized treatment terms (e.g., private insurance rehab programs).
• The Warning: If you fail to complete Level 3, you are out of options and will be sent back to court for prosecution.

John’s Takeaways

• Don’t Plead Guilty Yet: If you have been arrested for a drug offense—even a felony “intent to sell” charge—do not assume you have to take a conviction. These new programs offer a path to a total dismissal.
• Speed Matters: For Level 2, requirements often must be completed before the first pretrial conference. You need an attorney who knows how to get you enrolled immediately so you don’t miss the window.
• It’s Not Automatic: You still need to be approved for these programs. Having an attorney negotiate your entry into the appropriate level is critical.

Call me at (407) 423-1117. Let’s get you into the program and get this dismissed.

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.