Judge Jacqueline Steele of the 12th Circuit Court ruled Feb. 9 to withhold adjudication against Linda Kemp, 72, of Bradenton, for a second-degree misdemeanor for alcohol-related reckless driving.
Holmes Beach police arrested Kemp last October for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol after she was found driving through a closed section of Gulf Drive. She was released from jail without bond on Oct. 25, 2025.
Kemp was charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for DUI but signed a deal with the state attorney’s office to participate in Manatee County’s driver enhanced treatment education rehabilitation — or DETER — program.
The deal specified that, upon completion of the program, Kemp could plead nolo contendere — or no contest — to an amended charge of reckless driving with alcohol, for which adjudication would be withheld.
Withholding adjudication allows a court to issue a sentence without a formal conviction.
Steele’s Feb. 9 ruling determined Kemp had successfully participated in the DETER program, so the deal was upheld.
Steele amended the charge to reckless driving and Kemp pleaded no contest.
Steele withheld adjudication against Kemp for the amended charge and sentenced her to 12 months of probation, a $500 fine, DUI school and a live victim impact panel, as well as 50 hours of public service.