Drinking on Sarasota Sidewalks Could Cost You

Sarasota's court system sees fit that drinking on the streets can be such a problem on New Year's Eve and a problem for the court system handling the cases, the law is giving you the option to plead guilty on the spot and agree to a $308 fine.

"New Year[']s Eve celebration has traditionally been celebrated with a substantial use of alcoholic beverages," wrote Lee Haworth, the acting chief judge for the 12th Judicial Circuit. "It is expected that this will have an impact on the world load of law enforcement, judges, clerk of the court and other staff. Assuming these cases were processed in the ordinary manner, the cost to county citizens would be substantial and far outweigh any benefits.

"Processing such cases would also interfere with the handling of mor serious criems, and risk speedy trial discharges of cases, which require immediate court attention."

Haworth issued the administrative order Wednesday giving drinkers in city limits the option to sign off on a guilty plea or no contest in abstentia if charged with one of three alcohol violations:

• posession of an open container ($308.75 municipal ordinance amount due)

• posession of alcohol by a minor ($286.25 due)

• possessing a fake ID for date of birth ($286.25 due)

The plea — either guilty or no contest — waives an appearance before a judge, according to court documents.