University of South Florida DUI – 2025 Update

At the University of South Florida (USF), a DUI arrest can have significant consequences beyond the legal penalties. Students may face academic repercussions, loss of financial aid, and disciplinary action from the university. This page provides updated information on USF DUI enforcement, student conduct policies, and the potential impact of a DUI conviction.

USF Police DUI Enforcement

The USF Police Department actively conducts DUI enforcement on and around the Tampa campus. This includes:

Saturation Patrols: Focused patrols aimed at detecting impaired drivers.
Sobriety Checkpoints: Roadblocks set up to check drivers for signs of intoxication.

At the University of South Florida (USF), a DUI arrest can have significant consequences beyond the legal penalties. Students may face academic repercussions, loss of financial aid, and disciplinary action from the university. This page provides updated information on USF DUI enforcement, student conduct policies, and the potential impact of a DUI conviction. University of South Florida DUI

“USF Police Officers… use this DUI Saturation Patrol to identify impaired drivers in an effort to keep our streets safe. Impaired drivers… will face arrest and prosecution.”

USFPD has 43 officers patrolling the campus and surrounding areas. These enforcement efforts are part of a comprehensive approach to traffic safety.

Student Code of Conduct and DUI

A DUI arrest can lead to violations of the USF Student Code of Conduct. Key points include:

Students are responsible for complying with all public laws.
The university can initiate conduct proceedings even if criminal charges are pending.
Violations related to “Misuse of Alcohol” and “Misuse or Possession of Illegal Drugs” are taken seriously.

For more information on student conduct policies, refer to the official USF Student Rights & Responsibilities FAQs.

DUI in Florida – University of Tampa: DUI in Florida – University of Tampa – This page outlines the penalties for DUI in Florida.

Consequences of a DUI for USF Students

A DUI conviction can have far-reaching consequences for USF students, including:

Academic Penalties: Potential suspension or expulsion from the university.
Financial Aid Impacts: Loss of scholarships, including Bright Futures.
Criminal Prosecution: Facing legal charges in Florida courts.
Driver’s License Suspension: Loss of driving privileges.
Student Conduct Proceedings: Disciplinary action by the university.

Florida DUI Laws and College Students

Understanding Florida’s DUI laws is crucial for USF students. Key aspects include:

Legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): 0.08% for adults, 0.02% for drivers under 21.
Penalties: Fines, jail time, community service, and driver’s license suspension.
Impact on College Students: Academic, financial, and future employment consequences.

For more information on the penalties of a DUI in Florida, you can review the information provided by the University of Tampa on DUI in Florida.

USF DUI Enforcement History

USFPD has conducted DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols since 2006.
Officer Michael Tinney received awards for DUI enforcement in 2012.
Reports of DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols have been published in local news sources.

Tables

Consequence	Description
Academic Suspension	Potential suspension from USF for violating student conduct.
Financial Aid Loss	Loss of scholarships and other financial aid, including Bright Futures.
Criminal Charges	Facing legal charges in Florida courts.
License Suspension	Loss of driving privileges.

FAQs – University of South Florida DUI

Can a DUI affect my Bright Futures scholarship?

Yes, a DUI conviction can lead to the loss of Bright Futures and other financial aid.

What happens if I get a DUI on campus?

You will face arrest by USFPD and potential disciplinary action from the university, in addition to criminal charges.

Where can I find the USF Student Code of Conduct?

You can find it on the USF Student Rights & Responsibilities website.

What is the legal BAC limit in Florida?

0.08% for adults, 0.02% for drivers under 21.

Time needed: 1 minute

How To: Respond to a USF DUI Arrest

Remain Calm:
Cooperate with law enforcement but do not admit guilt.
Contact an Attorney:
Immediately seek legal representation.
Document Everything:
Keep records of all interactions and paperwork.
Understand Your Rights:
Familiarize yourself with Florida DUI laws and USF student conduct policies.
Attend All Hearings:
Appear in court and at any university disciplinary hearings.
Seek Support:
Utilize resources for students facing alcohol-related issues.

2025 Update Notes

This updated content aims to provide USF students and their parents with comprehensive information on DUI enforcement and consequences. Remember, seeking legal counsel is crucial for navigating the complexities of a DUI arrest.

University of South Florida DUI

College Students

Driving Under The Influence

At the University of South Florida, DUI conviction can have impacts beyond just staying on your driving record for the next 10 years. In addition, you can lose student financial aid including Bright Futures benefits. DUI Attorney W.F. “Casey” Ebsary, Jr. explains University of South Florida Police (USFPD) have conducted DUI checkpoints / DUI saturation patrols since 2006. The USFPD has 43 officers. The USFPD patrol all of the campus and the areas surrounding the campus. Because the University of South Florida DUI cases have a payoff – awards. Furthermore, one DUI contest got the agency a fully loaded Chevrolet Tahoe.

Source: tampabay.com/news/education/college/crime-down-arrests-up-at-usf

Dui Defense Attorney Casey Ebsary, also notes that USF Police Department conduct Saturation Patrols on and around the Tampa, Florida campus. Another press release warned, “The University of South Florida Police Department will conduct DUI Saturation Patrols within our community on January 13, 2012. This patrol will begin at 2:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 a.m.”

Read about the consequences of a DUI for a driver under 21 years old.

As a result, DUI enforcement by “USF Police Officers . . . use this DUI Saturation Patrol to identify impaired drivers in an effort to keep our streets safe. Impaired drivers . . . will face arrest and prosecution.” Students caught likely will face driver’s license suspension and criminal prosecution. In addition, these students will face action by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Some issues in the Student Code of Conduct raised by a University of South Florida DUI are below.

Student Code of Conduct

“The conduct process may be initiated against a student charged with conduct that potentially violates both the criminal law and/or the Student Code of Conduct.”
“Students are responsible for compliance with all public laws.”
“Misuse or Possession of Illegal Drugs.”
“Misuse of Alcohol.”

A sample of Prior University of South Florida DUI Checkpoint

Sobriety Checkpoint on the USF Campus University of South Florida DUI — Sobriety Checkpoint on the USF Campus

We uncovered a report of a DUI Checkpoint Roadblock on the Tampa Campus. It is “USF Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint.” The University of South Florida Police Department will host a Sobriety Checkpoint on Campus on May 15, 2013, beginning at 11:00 pm. . . . [This is ] followed by a four-hour saturation patrol. During this time, USF Police Officers will seek . . . impaired drivers in an effort to keep our streets safe. So impaired drivers . . . will face arrest and prosecution. Furthermore, this operation is part of a comprehensive, collaborative approach to traffic safety by the USF Police Department. Finally, the USF Police Department has primary jurisdiction on and about property owned or controlled by the University of South Florida.

Aggressive Campus Cops

Someone needs to tell DUI Officer Michael Tinney about their primary jurisdiction. We have yet to defend a single DUI arrest, he made on campus. The USF Police Department awarded Officer Tinney Officer of the Year and DUI Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2012. He also received an award from Hillsborough County Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for his DUI Enforcement in 2012. Officer Tinney actively participates in all enforcement campaigns and leads the DUI Checkpoints for his squad.” He is a DUI arrest award winner in the campus police department’s DUI arrest contest.

Here is a downloadable copy of the USF DUI Checkpoint Announcement.

University of South Florida DUI – USF News

Designated Driver Study

Designated drivers not so sober University of South Florida DUI — Designated drivers not so sober

“When it comes to going out and drinking with friends, most students are capable of securing a designated driver. But according to a USF study, most of these students are putting their lives in the hands of ‘less drunk’ rather than ‘sober’ drivers.”

And “A group of public relations students, led by assistant professor Kelly Werder, conducted surveys and focus-group research for the Tampa Alcohol Coalition and found most USF students think a DUI has the same consequential impact as a speeding ticket.” By Elise Bouchard of the USF Oracle

Another DUI Checkpoint Report

Casey Ebsary, a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer, received a tip that there will be a DUI checkpoint on campus this weekend, July 8. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the University of South Florida USF Police Department will conduct the sting and it will apparently be on campus. Most noteworthy these checkpoints are usually posted on the Sheriff’s website, but this one was not. Recently, we obtained a police manual for these types of checkpoints.

Get the complete University of South Florida DUI Checkpoint document to search and read for yourself here.

Source: http://brandon.patch.com/articles/dui-busting-aim-of-heightened-usf-hcso-patrols

DUI Checkpoint Video for iPhone

Previous Coverage Of State University Campus DUI

DUI Means Expulsion from the University

Got DUI – Get Expelled: “UF looks beyond campus for DUI cases – They may try to hide it from Mom and Dad, but University of Florida (UF) students caught driving drunk in Alachua County won’t be able to hide it from UF administrators. This month, UF began regularly monitoring off-campus DUI convictions. Students convicted of DUI in the county won’t just face criminal courts, they will go before UF’s Office of Student Judicial Affairs, where they could face suspension or expulsion.

Student Judicial Affairs already hears between 30 and 40 on-campus DUI cases each year. But that number will likely go up now that UF is looking beyond its borders, said Eugene Zdziarski, UF’s dean of students. First-time offenders in the system are typically suspended from school for a year, Zdziarski said. Repeat offenders, however, can face expulsion, he said.”

Campus of University of South Florida DUI Arrests on the Rise

“More than twice as many students were arrested for drunken driving on campus in 2005 than in 2004 because of University Police Department’s new chief and UF President Bernie Machen’s alcohol policies, University Police spokesman Lt. Joe Sharkey said. There were 111 arrests for DUIs on campus in 2005, 44 arrests in 2004 and 56 arrests in 2003, according to University Police Department crime statistics. “

DUI University of South Florida

1st Time DUI, Commercial DUI, Underage DUI

First-Time DUI Diversion

March 31, 2025March 31, 2025 W F Casey Ebsary Jr

A first-time DUI diversion of prosecution after a DUI arrest in Hillsborough County can be overwhelming. Understanding the RIDR program, designed to reduce DUI recidivism, is crucial for those seeking a path to resolution. This guide provides essential Q&A and a detailed table summarizing the program’s eligibility, benefits, and restrictions, offering clarity to individuals facing DUI charges and exploring their diversion options. If you’re looking for expert legal guidance, especially concerning the details found below, contact Casey the Lawyer at DUI2Go.com to discuss your case.

Q&A: RIDR Program in Hillsborough County Florida – Answers from an Expert

Questions and Answers

from a

DUI Expert

As a DUI expert serving Hillsborough County, I understand the anxiety and confusion that follows a first-time DUI arrest. The RIDR program offers a potential path to resolution, but navigating its complexities is vital. This comprehensive guide breaks down the RIDR program through essential Q&A and a detailed table, clearly outlining eligibility, benefits, and restrictions.

My goal is to equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. If you’re seeking clarity and personalized legal guidance on your DUI case and the RIDR program details presented below, reach out to Casey at DUI2Go.com for expert assistance.

Why was the First-Time DUI Diversion (RIDR) program created?

The program was created to address Hillsborough County’s high rates of DUI crashes, injuries, and fatalities. It aims to reduce recidivism and improve community safety by imposing enhanced sanctions on first-time, non-aggravated DUI offenders.

Who is eligible for the First-Time DUI Diversion program?

Eligibility criteria include: the case must be a misdemeanor DUI offense; there can be no children in the vehicle; the breath alcohol concentration must be below 0.200%; there cannot have been a crash; there cannot be a prior DUI, alcohol-related reckless driving, driving while license suspended with serious bodily injury or death, leaving the scene of an accident with injury or death, or vehicular homicide charges; there cannot have been a prior DUI diversion program and no more than one non-DUI diversion program as an adult; and in the five years prior to the date of offense the driver cannot have had a prior adjudication withhold or any portion of a felony sentence.

How are cases selected for the program?

Your attorney can request consideration. The State Attorney’s Office evaluates cases individually based on the specific facts. They have the sole discretion to determine eligibility. Sanction levels are determined by BAC and the nature of the offense.

What are the benefits of accepting a plea offer under this program?

Benefits include: No Conviction; reduced charge to reckless driving; withhold adjudication; 12 months probation; vehicle immobilization for 10 days; avoidance of a DUI conviction on their record; and completion of DUI school and any recommended treatment.

What are the restrictions during the diversion program?

Restrictions include: no possession or consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs, or non-prescribed drugs during the 12-month probation period; payment of standard court costs and cost of supervision; and completion of DUI school and any recommended treatment.

Table Summarizing the First-Time DUI Diversion (RIDR) Program:

Category	Details
Program Goal	Reduce DUI recidivism and improve community safety in Hillsborough County.
Eligibility	Misdemeanor DUI, BAC < 0.200%, no crash, no prior DUI-related offenses, no children in vehicle, limited prior diversions, no recent felony convictions.
Case Selection	State Attorney’s Office discretion, individual case evaluation.
Sanction Levels	Level 1: BAC < 0.15%; Level 2: BAC 0.15% – 0.20% or refusal; Level 3: Drug-related DUI.
Plea Offer Benefits	Reduced charge (reckless driving), withhold adjudication, 12 months probation.
Restrictions	10-day vehicle immobilization, no alcohol/drug consumption, payment of court costs, DUI school completion.

Don’t Navigate Your DUI Alone: Connect with Casey Today.

If you or someone you know is facing a first-time DUI in Hillsborough County, contact Casey at DUI2Go.com today. Learn more about Casey here: https://dui2go.com/about/ For expert legal assistance regarding the First-Time DUI Diversion program, reach out to Casey at DUI2Go.com. Contact Casey here: https://dui2go.com/contact/

Original Announcement from 2018

Why Start New First-Time DUI Diversion (RIDR)?

Hillsborough County has consistently been ranked the worst or near the worst in Florida for DUI crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Given the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of reducing recidivism to promote long-term Community safety, the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office has established the reducing impaired driving recidivism initiative. The program seeks to aggressively target and reduce impaired driving by imposing enhanced sanctions like alcohol monitoring devices and DUI education programs on first-time, non-aggravated DUI offenders. This First-Time DUI Diversion program also promotes consistency in the prosecution of DUI cases by eliminating the incentive for offenders to refuse to provide a breath sample during the investigation.

Who Is Eligible for First-Time DUI Diversion Program?

To be eligible for the First-Time DUI Diversion program, first, the case must be a misdemeanor DUI. There can be no children in the vehicle. Also, the breath alcohol concentration must be below .200% and there cannot have been a crash. Additionally, there cannot be a prior DUI alcohol-related reckless driving, driving while license suspended with serious bodily injury or death, leaving the scene of an accident with injury or death, or vehicular homicide charges in the driver’s past. Finally, there cannot have been a prior DUI diversion program, more than one non-DUI diversion program as an adult, or in the five years prior to the date of offense the driver cannot have had a prior adjudication withhold or any portion of a sentence on a felony.

What Is The Process For Selecting Cases In This DUI Diversion Program?

The state attorney’s office will evaluate all cases on an individual fact-specific basis. The state attorney’s office solely determines the individual’s eligibility for the RIDR First-Time DUI Diversion Program. There will be three sanction levels for eligible cases. Level one cases will have a breath level below .15%. Next, Level two will have breath alcohol levels above .15% but less than .20% or there has been a refusal to provide. Last, Level 3 will be for drug-related DUIs.

Why Would Someone Want To Accept A Plea Offer Under The New DUI Program?

Mainly the driver will be offered a reduced charge of reckless driving and withhold adjudication. There will be 12 months probation. Individual must pay standard court costs and cost of supervision. They will have their vehicle immobilized for 10 days. The first-time DUI offender cannot possess or consume alcohol, illegal drugs, or non prescribed drugs during that 12 month period. Also, the offender must successfully complete the DUI school and any recommended treatment.

Tag: USF Police

University of South Florida DUI – USF DUI