PLANTATION KEY, FL — The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office announced today that Maxwell Daniel Burgan, 19, has been adjudicated guilty following a no contest plea resolving charges of Driving Under the Influence with Property Damage and Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement.
The case was heard before Circuit Judge James Morgan, and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Trey Evans.
The charges stem from a June 23, 2024 incident in which Burgan operated a vehicle while impaired and fled from law enforcement at a high rate of speed along U.S. 1 in the Upper Keys, ultimately causing multiple crashes and property damage.
According to the investigation, Burgan ignored emergency lights and sirens and drove at speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour in a posted 50 mile per hour zone, recklessly weaving through traffic and striking multiple vehicles. During the pursuit, law enforcement deployed spike strips in an effort to stop the vehicle; however, Burgan continued driving even after the spikes were successfully deployed before ultimately crashing and being taken into custody.
Breath testing later revealed Burgan had a breath-alcohol level of 0.100 and 0.097, both above the legal limit.
Judge Morgan sentenced Burgan to 36 months of probation. As part of his sentence, Burgan must serve 60 days in the Monroe County Jail as a special condition of probation, complete DUI school, attend a victim impact panel, perform 50 hours of community service, undergo a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment.  The court also ordered Burgan to pay $1,441 in fines and court costs, restitution, along with his driver’s license being suspended for six months. As a result of this conviction, Burgan is now a convicted felon.
Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield stated, “This case reflects the serious consequences that come with impaired driving and attempting to evade law enforcement. The defendant’s actions placed numerous motorists at risk. The sentence imposed ensures accountability while also requiring treatment and supervision to reduce the likelihood of future dangerous behavior.”

MONROE COUNTY STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

The Office of the State Attorney for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, led by State Attorney Dennis W. Ward, is committed to upholding the law through ethical prosecution, collaboration with investigative partners, and the pursuit of justice for the citizens of Monroe County.

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