Disgraced Judge Nows Runs DUI Business

Our Chicago DUI Lawyers take another look at the “Business of DUI”.

Four-hour course helps probationers, profits former Judge Robert Bonanno

By Colleen Jenkins, Times Staff Writer

TAMPA — Once part of the power center of Hillsborough County Courthouse politics, Judge Robert Bonanno resigned in 2001 under a cloud.

Now he’s visiting former colleagues to drum up business for a fledgling, for-profit venture aimed at helping people complete their court-ordered supervision.

Since July, 166 defendants in Hillsborough have paid $65 each for a four-hour class at Bonanno’s Probation & Violation Center. In exchange for their voluntary attendance, their community service hours are waived or significantly reduced.

The three felony judges offering that incentive say they don’t see a conflict with the arrangement, though they are awaiting an ethics opinion.

Bonanno spent 19 years on the bench in Hillsborough County. His downfall began when a bailiff discovered him inside Circuit Judge Gregory Holder’s empty, darkened office after hours. A grand jury said Bonanno ruined his credibility with his explanation for being there.

After a state House committee began impeachment proceedings, Bonanno stepped down to avoid facing questions about a courthouse affair, the sealing of cases and the purchase of a $450,000 model home.

Bonanno steps down because of ethical questions and now runs a business essentially selling community service for half off. Now, our Chicago DUI Attorneys ask you, is this about making roads safer, or lining the pockets of the connected?