Operation PAR has a stellar reputation for providing valuable counseling services associated with alcohol and drug addiction. On April 17th, 2015 The Law firm of Russo & Russo was honored at the “2015 Poetic Justice Gala” event at the Sirata Beach Resort on St. Pete Beach. Attorneys Frank Russo, Marc Pelletier and Tim Sullivan were chosen to be among the “45 Stars Who Have Contributed to the Success of Operation PAR Since its Inception 45 Years Ago.”
Humble Beginnings Evolve Into Helping Thousands With Addiction
Operation PAR had humble beginnings in 1970 when Shirley Coletti had the inspiration to fill a void in our local community’s battle against addiction. State Attorney James T. Russell, Pinellas County Sheriff Don Genung and former Pinellas County Commissioner Charles Rainey joined Coletti in founding Operation PAR. Today, that same organization has a staff in excess of 400 employees and offers integrated addiction and mental health services in five Florida Counties.
In addition to the original founders, other honorees included:
- Judge Horace Andrews
- Barbara Bush
- Charlie Crist
- Senator Jack Latvala
- Pinellas Commissioner Susan Latvala
- Nancy Reagan
- Betty Sembler
- Kay Dillinger
- Martha Lenderman
- Judge William Walker
- Congressman C.W. Bill Young
How Operation PAR Can Affect the Outcome of Your Case
The criminal defense lawyers at Russo and Russo consult with clients at both their St. Petersburg and Clearwater office locations. These attorneys are former state prosecutors with significant experience in the Pinellas county criminal justice system. Attorneys Russo, Pelletier and Sullivan work as a team in analyzing a client’s felony, misdemeanor, DUI or Violation of Probation charges. The lawyers design an appropriate strategy in their effort to secure the best possible outcome. When the criminal offense is related to addiction or their client suffers from a dual diagnosis, (addiction and mental health issues) they often turn to the services of Operation PAR.
Local Pinellas County Judges are highly receptive to individuals who take a proactive approach to seeking counseling and treatment before their case is heard in court. The judges believe that if an addiction contributed to the arrest and the individual has taken steps to voluntarily address the problem, there is a far less likelihood they will re-engage in future criminal conduct. Representatives from PAR are highly motivated to attend court proceedings with your lawyer and speak in support of your efforts and progress directed at recovery from addiction. The clinical opinion and testimony from a Certified Addiction Professional is highly regarded by the court in the context of amenability to treatment, potential for success and sentence mitigation in your effort to avoid incarceration. See: Further information on PAR’s Criminal Justice Liaison, Georgina Rullo.
Multiple Offender DUI’s – Substituting Operation PAR for Jail
Russo and Russo was instrumental in convincing Operation PAR to offer treatment that would otherwise substitute for mandatory jail sentences in multiple offender DUI cases. This authority arises out of Florida Statute Section 316.193(6)(m). Since the implementation of this specialized program, countless individuals have avoided jail and spent their time more constructively by getting appropriate treatment.
The lawyers at Russo & Russo share membership with the Operation PAR staff in the Florida Association of Drug Court Professionals. The attorneys likewise regularly attend and support Operation PAR functions. The lawyers have participated as instructors for seminars conducted for the PAR staff. Their counsel and advice is designed to “bridge the gap” between the treatment provider and the Pinellas County Criminal Justice system. Counselors can ask questions of the lawyers and the lawyers can deliver suggestions and recommendations back to the judiciary. It was an honor for the lawyers to be recognized as part of the PAR family.
Related Links:
Operation PAR... The Secret is Out
Possible Solutions For Your Pinellas Criminal Charge
Pinellas / St. Pete / Clearwater DUI Lawyers
FAQ Florida Ignition Interlock Laws
How to Find the Best Pinellas Criminal Defense Attorney
Is a Private Attorney Better than a Public Defender?
DUI Penalties in Florida
Update: In 2017, our firm changed names from Russo and Russo to Russo Pelletier & Sullivan. Our goal and genuine commitment remain the same as well as our close ties to the legal community.
Attorneys who Defend Criminal Charges Arising out of St. Petersburg / Clearwater / Pinellas County.
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(727) 578-0303
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