Judge imposes jail time, probation and family-violence program for Lance Brown after DUI and family-violence pleas

Lance Brown pleaded guilty to a DUI and to two counts of battery-family violence as part of a global plea agreement; Judge Tammy Long Hayward accepted the pleas and imposed a mix of jail, probation and programmatic conditions aimed at reducing future risk.

Prosecutors summarized the DUI charge from Sept. 14, 2023, at 260 Main Street, saying officers observed signs of intoxication: the defendant admitted drinking, officers detected the odor of alcohol and observed glossy eyes. The state recommended 12 months with 26 days to serve on the DUI count, credit for time served, probation with a DUI-risk-reduction course, random testing, a substance-abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment, 40 hours of community service and a $300 fine. That sentence was to run concurrent with the family-violence case.

On the related family-violence case (Aug. 13, 2023 domestic disturbance at 4552 Old Dixie Road), prosecutors said the victim, Kate Brown, reported being pushed and struck, leaving abrasions and a forehead bruise. The state recommended 12 months with 26 days to serve, balance probated, enrollment in the Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP), a $500 fine (with surcharges described in court), and no violent or harassing contact with the victim. Counts that duplicated allegations were to merge into the primary counts.

Judge Hayward accepted the pleas and, after hearing defense counsel and a short discussion of Brown’s stability and employment prospects, sentenced Brown to concurrent 12-month terms with 26 days to serve on the primary counts, with fines and conditions as recommended. The judge agreed to several accommodations: count 5 on the family-violence case will run consecutive but will terminate on completion of all special conditions; she also waived supervision fees for the first three months to give Brown time to stabilize financially while he pursues treatment and employment.

The judge stressed the difficulty of probation compliance and warned that positive tests or noncompliance could lead to arrest and further sanctions. She instructed Brown to enroll in FVIP, complete any substance-abuse treatment ordered after evaluation, complete 40 hours of community service, and avoid violent or harassing contact with the victim. The court recorded that Brown had three children and discussed the family’s financial pressures and need for a concrete plan to remain compliant.