
[Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office]
DUI Arrest Number One
On February 27, 2025, Nicholas Ryan Betancourt, 33, was pulled over after a report of a reckless driver in Pinellas County Florida near the intersection of East Lake Road and Ruen Drive, per reporting by the Tampa Bay Times.
Officers noticed that Betancourt was having a hard time keeping his eye open. During his field sobriety test, he struggled to keep his balance and performed poorly on the sobriety exercises.
Betancourt was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled substance, chemical substance, or both and taken into custody. He refused a urine test after a breath sample showed no alcohol in his system. The deputy seized Betancourt’s license and advised him his license was suspended for a year.
Betancourt was released the next morning. Around 9:00 a.m., Betancourt left the jail after posting bail for $500. Hours later, he would be in police custody again.
Related: How Likely Is Jail Time for First DUI in Florida?
DUI Arrest Number Two
Just hours after his release, Betancourt was behind the wheel again. On February 28, around 3:40 p.m., he was driving north on Gunn Highway near Dolce Vita Lane in Odessa, Florida. At the same time, 36-year-old Dana Maria Rivera was driving toward him coming from the other direction.
Betancourt drifted across the center line and collided with Rivera’s vehicle.
The crash left Rivera and her three children in the vehicle with serious injuries. The children, ages 4, 6, and 15, had non-life-threatening wounds that included a broken leg, kidney laceration, and orbital bone fracture. Rivera’s injuries led to her death.
Betancourt was taken to a hospital and given a urine test. The sample showed cocaine, amphetamines, oxycodone, and benzodiazepines in his system. Police searched Betancourt’s vehicle and found a box that contained methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, Xanax, a muscle relaxant, MDMA, and drug paraphernalia.
Betancourt was charged with DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, DUI resulting in serious bodily injury, driving without a valid license resulting in death, and several counts of drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Related: Is a DUI a Felony in Florida? What Charges Should You Expect?
Facing Serious DUI Charges
Betancourt was facing consequences for his first DUI arrest, and now those consequences are even more severe.
The penalties for a second DUI are higher than for a first-time DUI. Because people were injured and killed in the accident, Betancourt faces even steeper consequences. In Florida, DUI laws are directed under Florida Statutes 316.193. Under these statutes:
- A DUI that results in death is considered DUI manslaughter. It is a second-degree felony that comes with a mandatory prison sentence of four years. The maximum sentence is 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- A DUI leading to serious bodily harm is classified as a third-degree felony. It can come with penalties of up to five years in prison, up to five years probation, and a $5,000 fine.
Related: Stopped and Arrested for a DUI in Florida? Here’s What to Do Next
Facing Serious Drug Charges
In addition to the penalties that come with the DUI charges, Betancourt also faces drug possession charges. The severity of charges for drug possession are determined by the amount and type of drug in possession.
While the quantity of drugs that Betancourt had in his car isn’t clear, police reports show that he had a variety of drugs and paraphernalia in his vehicle. Betancourt had methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, Xanax, a muscle relaxant, and MDMA, which could lead to felony charges.
The drugs in Betancourt’s possession included Schedule I and Schedule II drugs, which carry the highest penalties. More than 10 grams of any Schedule I drug is a first-degree felony.
Related: Misdemeanor vs Felony: What’s the Difference?
If Arrested, Talk to a DUI Attorney Right Away
Being charged with a DUI is a serious situation that could have life-changing impacts. If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI, talk to a DUI attorney right away.
TJ Grimaldi is a Tampa-based DUI attorney who has experience working with the legal system to help individuals get the best possible outcome after a DUI. Don’t go into this alone. To review your case for free, schedule time to talk with TJ Grimaldi today. Schedule your consultation or call 813-226-1023 now.