There’s a new criminal justice diversion opportunity designed to help certain traffic offenders to obtain a valid driver’s license.
Based on the concept that “Knowledge Empowers Your Success” the KEYS 2 Drive program is a partnership among the State Attorney’s Office, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the judiciary and the Duval County Clerk of Courts.
A valid driver’s license can help break what for some people is a cycle of suspensions, fines, fees and repeated license-related infractions and also allow greater personal and economic success, according to a news release.
“In a city as large as Jacksonville, a driver’s license can be an essential tool for greater prosperity. The KEYS 2 Drive program will put people back on the road legally and safely, all while reducing recidivism,” State Attorney Melissa Nelson said in the release.
The program is available to people whose primary offense includes driving while their license is suspended or revoked and those who drive without a valid license.
The clerk’s office is making payment plans available to settle fines and fees.
“Initially, participants are eligible to have older fees that had been sent to collections agencies recalled on a one-time basis. As long as participants continue to make all agreed upon scheduled payments and fulfill all other requirements of the KEYS 2 Drive program, they are given a chance to restore their driving privileges while continuing to satisfy their financial obligations,” said clerk’s office spokesman Brian Corrigan.
Marks Gray shareholder Edward Birk was elected vice president of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys at its 77th annual meeting in Austin, Texas.
The ADTA is an organization of defense lawyers which accepts members by invitation only, allowing only one member per 1 million in population for each city, town or municipality across the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.
Birk’s practice focuses on news media and First Amendment rights.
Birk also represents clients in municipal liabilities, ERISA benefits, employment, Fair Labor Standards Act actions and products liability matters.
Colleen A. White of the Law Office of Colleen A. White in Jacksonville Beach was elected president of the Jacksonville Beaches Bar Association for the 2018-19 term. She is a member of the Academy of Professional Mediators and a Jacksonville Beach Fire Department Pension trustee.
Ashley Fields joined McConnaughhay, Coonrod, Pope, Weaver & Stern focusing on workers’ compensation defense. She is a 2016 Florida Coastal School of Law graduate.
Patrick D. Coleman joined FordHarrison as a partner. He is board- certified in labor and employment law.
Beverly Clark, Kimberly Doss and Dominic Piscitello joined the Department of Children and Families Children’s Legal Services as senior attorneys.
