Key West, FL – In a recent case, Richard Lee Hunter Rice was adjudicated guilty and sentenced following a no contest plea to Felony Driving Under the Influence, Driving While License Revoked (Habitual Offender), and Failure to Submit to a Breath Test Following a Prior Suspension for Refusal.
Circuit Judge Mark Jones sentenced Rice to 270 days in the Monroe County Jail on all counts, to be served concurrently, followed by two years of probation on the felony offenses. The court also ordered Rice to complete 50 hours of community service within 18 months, attend DUI School within nine months, complete a Victim Impact Panel within one year, successfully complete all required treatment and supervision programs, install and maintain an ignition interlock device for two years, and serve a 10-year revocation of his driving privileges. The court further ordered the impoundment of his vehicle for 90 days and imposed $2,708.00 in fines, court costs, prosecution costs, investigative costs, supervision costs, attorney’s fees, and related assessments, plus applicable statutory surcharges.
The charges stemmed from a September 5, 2025 traffic stop on Stock Island. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, deputies observed a golf cart being operated at night without illuminated taillights and conducted a traffic stop. During the investigation, deputies observed signs of impairment, including bloodshot and watery eyes, the odor of an alcoholic beverage, and difficulty maintaining balance. Deputies also located an open alcoholic beverage container in the vehicle. Rice admitted he had been drinking and later told medical personnel he had consumed approximately 12 to 15 beers. He subsequently refused to provide a breath sample after being advised of Florida’s implied consent law.
The investigation further revealed that Rice had three prior DUI convictions and was operating the vehicle while his driver’s license was revoked as a Habitual Traffic Offender. A records check showed more than twenty prior suspensions, revocations, cancellations, and related sanctions affecting his driving privileges over the years, including multiple DUI-related revocations, prior sanctions for refusing to submit to lawful testing, and repeated periods of license suspension and revocation.
Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield emphasized the significance of the sentence and the danger posed by repeat impaired drivers.
“This case involved a defendant with an extensive history of impaired driving and repeated violations of Florida’s traffic laws. A records check revealed more than twenty prior suspensions, revocations, and related sanctions affecting his driving privileges, including multiple DUI-related revocations and Habitual Traffic Offender status. Despite those consequences, he chose to drive again after drinking. The court’s decision to revoke his driving privileges for ten years sends a clear message that repeat impaired driving will not be tolerated. The defendant has been given an opportunity to successfully complete the conditions of his probation, but if he fails to do so, he will likely face a lengthy state prison sentence. Protecting the public from chronic offenders who continue to disregard the law remains a priority for our office.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Michael Tetelman.
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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