John Richards, 54, of Anna Maria, will be on probation through February 2025 despite avoiding a conviction for a second-degree misdemeanor for alcohol-related reckless driving.
Holmes Beach police arrested Richards Aug. 25, 2023, after an officer found him driving in the wrong lane. During a traffic stop, Richards displayed signs of impairment.
He declined to perform field sobriety exercises, as well as refused to provide breath samples.
He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for DUI.
Richards subsequently enrolled in the Florida Driver Enhanced Treatment Education Rehabilitation program, completing the program by Jan. 18, the same day he entered a plea of no contest to a second-degree misdemeanor charge for alcohol-related reckless driving.
Judge Melissa Gould of the 12th Circuit Court ruled Jan. 30 to amend Richards’ initial DUI charge to alcohol-related reckless driving, as well as to withhold adjudication.
Withholding adjudication means legal sanctions can be imparted without a criminal conviction.
Gould ruled for Richards to complete 12 months of supervised probation, complete DUI school and Mothers Against Drunk Driving live impact panel within six months.
— Ryan Paice