A Key West driver, Niclore Jean, has been sentenced to 24 months in Florida state prison following a no-contest plea to charges of driving under the influence (DUI) with serious bodily injury and DUI with injury to a person or property. The sentence was handed down by Circuit Judge Mark Wilson.

Prison Sentence and Probation Terms

Jean will serve his prison time followed by 36 months of probation. He was taken into custody immediately after the sentencing hearing. In addition to incarceration, the court mandated a 10-year revocation of his driver's license. He must also complete DUI school, undergo a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment, and attend a Victim Impact Panel. Further requirements include 50 hours of community service, regular drug testing, attending at least three Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings weekly, and installing an ignition interlock device for two years. His vehicle will be impounded for 30 days, and he is prohibited from consuming alcohol or illegal drugs while on probation.

Financial Penalties and Victim Compensation

Prior to sentencing, Jean paid $10,000 towards the Victim Compensation Fund and was ordered to contribute an additional $40,000. He also faces $1,066 in fines and court costs.

Incident Details and Investigation

The charges stem from a traffic crash that occurred on February 21, 2025, in the 3200 block of North Roosevelt Boulevard in Key West. The Key West Police Department investigated the collision, which involved a Lexus and a moped. The moped operator sustained serious injuries and required emergency medical transport. Witnesses reported that the Lexus appeared to accelerate while attempting to pass the moped before striking it.

Evidence of Impairment

During the investigation, officers noted several indicators of impairment, including the smell of alcohol, bloodshot and watery eyes, and poor performance on field sobriety tests. Jean subsequently provided breath samples showing blood alcohol content levels of .179 and .171, which are more than double Florida's legal limit of .08.

Prosecution's Statement on Accountability

Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield emphasized the seriousness of the offense. "Drunk driving is not an accident, it is a conscious decision," Mansfield stated. He highlighted the available alternatives to driving impaired, such as calling a friend, using rideshare services, taking a taxi, or designating a sober driver. "When someone chooses to ignore those options and another person suffers serious injuries, there must be meaningful consequences," he added. Mansfield concluded that the sentence conveys a strong message that individuals who endanger the community through impaired driving will be held accountable, facing the full extent of the criminal justice system. For more details on this case, the Keys Weekly reported on the sentencing. Information regarding DUI laws and prevention can be found through organizations like Florida Realtors, which also addresses community safety issues.