DUI Diversion in Orlando: Are You Eligible to Get Your Case Dismissed?

Here in Central Florida, we are fortunate to have one of the few DUI diversion programs in the state that offers a path to a complete dismissal of your charges. A diversion program is just a fancy way of saying: you jump through a series of hoops, and in exchange, your case disappears. This is the outcome every person charged with a DUI wants, as it allows you to avoid a conviction, high insurance rates, and a permanent criminal record.

However, the program is excellent, but it can be tricky to get into. The eligibility requirements are strict.

Want to Get Your DUI Dismissed in Orange or Osceola County? Eligibility for the diversion program is not guaranteed. Call my office for a case review to see if you qualify. Call John Guidry: (407) 423-1117

Common Reasons for Denial: What Will Disqualify You?

Before we can even begin to negotiate your entry into the program, we have to make sure you don’t have any automatic “deal-breakers” in your case. Here are the most common reasons a person is denied entry:

• Any Type of Accident: If your DUI involved an accident, you are not getting in. This includes crashing into another car, a pedestrian, or even a single-vehicle accident like hitting a curb and flattening your tire. Any property damage or injury is an automatic disqualifier.
• Dangerous Driving Patterns: The prosecutor will look at the driving that led to the stop. If there were serious “safety issues,” like driving the wrong way down a one-way street, you will likely be denied.
• A Prior Diversion Program: You only get one bite at the diversion apple in your lifetime. If you have ever completed a diversion program for any other criminal charge in the past, you are not eligible for DUI diversion now.
• The “Teen Court” Trap: This is a hidden gem that trips many people up. Even if you participated in “Teen Court” as a juvenile many years ago, the State Attorney’s Office considers that a prior diversion and will deny you entry into the adult DUI diversion program.

What Might NOT Disqualify You

The good news is that you do not have to be a perfect first-time offender to get in. A couple of minor, non-alcohol-related misdemeanors on your record (like a petit theft from a few years ago) will generally not prevent you from being accepted into the program.

Please, take advantage of this rare opportunity if you are eligible. Getting a DUI charge dismissed is an incredible result. The first step is to get in touch with an attorney who has a long history of navigating this specific program. I have been defending clients in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, and Volusia County since 1993, and I know the ins and outs of these local programs. Get this thing moving today.

About the Author, 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.