SCS/SB 1200 - This act creates a DWI diversion program which allows a prosecuting or circuit attorney to divert the case to a DWI diversion program if the defendant meets the following criteria:• The defendant has not previously been convicted of an intoxicated-related traffic offense;
• The defendant is not currently enrolled in another diversion program;
• The defendant does not hold a commercial driver's license;
• The offense did not occur while operating a commercial vehicle;
• The offense did not result in the injury or death of another person; and
• The defendant did not refuse a breathalyzer test.
The court may continue the diverted case for a period of up to 2 years and order the defendant to comply with terms and conditions of the program as determined by the prosecuting or circuit attorney. Any defendant who has a case continued pursuant to this act shall also have any proceeding relating to the suspension of his or her license continued by the Department of Revenue.
As part of the program requirements, the prosecuting or circuit attorney may require installation of an ignition interlock device for a period of not less than one year and require the defendant to participate in a victim impact panel. If the prosecuting or circuit attorney requires an ignition interlock device, the court shall notify the defendant that he or she is required to install an ignition interlock device as well as notify the defendant of any other requirements of the program. Any person required to install an ignition interlock device shall be subject to penalties as provided under current law. The court may require the defendant to pay all or part of the costs, unless the court finds the defendant indigent.
Additionally, the Department of Revenue shall inform the defendant of the requirements of the DWI diversion program and shall keep records of the installation of any ignition interlock devices. Any certified ignition interlock device provider shall inform the Department of any tampering of the device as provided in the act.
After the completion of the DWI diversion program and if the defendant has complied with all the imposed terms and conditions, the court shall dismiss the criminal case against the defendant, record the dismissal, and transmit the record to the central repository. The Department of Revenue shall also dismiss any proceeding to suspend the defendant's license. If the defendant does not comply with the terms of the program, the prosecuting or circuit attorney may file a motion to terminate the defendant from the diversion program and set the case on the next available criminal docket.
Finally, this act provides that a prosecuting or circuit attorney may divert intoxicated-related offenses to other diversion programs as provided in law.
This act is identical to provisions in SCS/HCS/HB 1659 (2024) and SCS/HCS/HB 2700 (2024) and substantially similar to SS/SCS/SB 74 (2023).
MARY GRACE PRINGLE