WHEREAS, Fla R. Jud. Admin. 2.215 affords the Chief Judge authority to promote the administration of justice throughout the Third Judicial Circuit; and

WHEREAS, Florida Statute 316.613(5) permits a child restraint violator to elect, with the court ‘s approval, to participate in a child restraint safety program in lieu of the penalty specified in 318.18 and having 3 points assessed; and

WHEREAS, Columbia County has introduced a Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles approved program certified by Safe Kids of North Central Florida, it is therefore 

ORDERED:

That the Columbia County Clerk of Court shall provide an “Alternative Sentence Affidavit” for persons charged with a child restraint violation.

If the offender elects to attend the program, the Clerk shall collect from each offender such fees as authorized by state and local law.

The offender shall register for the class by calling (352)265-0543, or at  http://www.shandssafekids.org/carseats.htm.

In accordance with the Statute cited above, the Court hereby approves of the program known as “Restraint Education Alternative for Children” (REACH), provided by Safe Kids of North Florida. The offender shall provide proof of attendance to the Clerk of Court. Safe Kids of North Florida shall also maintain records of offenders that have satisfactorily completed the program.

Upon notification of successful completion, the penalty specified in Florida Statute 318.18 including any associated costs shall be waived and the assessment of points shall be waived. In the event the offender fails to complete the program with 90 days, the Clerk of Court is hereby authorized to D-6 the license and levy the original fines, costs and fees on any such offender.

DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers at Lake City, Columbia County, Florida, this 8 day of January 2008.

/Signed/________________________