Florida Traffic Court Rule 6.180
RULE 6.180. SENTENCING REPEAT OFFENDERS
(a) Defendant’s Rights. A defendant alleged, to have a prior
conviction for a criminal traffic offense, shall have the right to
remain silent concerning any prior conviction at the time of plea or
sentence.
(b) Proof of Prior Convictions. If the right to remain silent
is invoked by the defendant, the state shall have a reasonable time,
if requested, to determine if any prior convictions exist. If the state
is unable to prove any prior convictions, the defendant shall be
treated as if no prior convictions exist.
(c) Suspension by Department. This provision shall not
prevent the department from suspending a defendant’s driving
privilege for a longer period than the court has entered if a prior
record is discovered by the department.
Committee Notes
1988 Adoption. Rule 6.180 is new and is designed to codify existing
procedures in DUI cases. The rule sets forth what has become known as a
“Meehan plea.” Meehan v. State, 397 So. 2d 1214 (Fla. 2d DCA 1981).
1992 Amendment. Makes a “Meehan plea” applicable to all criminal
traffic offenses.
(a) Defendant’s Rights. A defendant alleged, to have a prior
conviction for a criminal traffic offense, shall have the right to
remain silent concerning any prior conviction at the time of plea or
sentence.
(b) Proof of Prior Convictions. If the right to remain silent
is invoked by the defendant, the state shall have a reasonable time,
if requested, to determine if any prior convictions exist. If the state
is unable to prove any prior convictions, the defendant shall be
treated as if no prior convictions exist.
(c) Suspension by Department. This provision shall not
prevent the department from suspending a defendant’s driving
privilege for a longer period than the court has entered if a prior
record is discovered by the department.
Committee Notes
1988 Adoption. Rule 6.180 is new and is designed to codify existing
procedures in DUI cases. The rule sets forth what has become known as a
“Meehan plea.” Meehan v. State, 397 So. 2d 1214 (Fla. 2d DCA 1981).
1992 Amendment. Makes a “Meehan plea” applicable to all criminal
traffic offenses.