Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann to plead no contest in DUI case from 2024

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK) — Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann will plead no contest to a 2024 DUI charge, bringing her year-and-a-half-long legal case to an end.

According to court documents, under the agreement, Heitmann will be found guilty and placed on probation for 12 months. She must also complete a substance abuse evaluation.

• RELATED: Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann arrested for DUI, BAC twice over legal limit

She will pay a $1,000 fine and lose her driver's license for six months. After that, she will be required to use an ignition interlock device on her vehicle for another six months. The device prevents a car from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath.

The agreement also prohibits Heitmann from possessing alcohol or drinking in public. Court records show she has already completed a required DUI school program.

Her attorneys are expected to enter the plea on her behalf on Monday morning, when jury selection had been scheduled to begin. Under the terms of the deal, Heitmann is not required to appear in court.

Police previously said her blood-alcohol level was about twice the legal limit at the time of her arrest.

In 2024, Heitmann publicly apologized during a City Council meeting.

"I am profoundly sorry for the impact that it has had on my friends, family, my constituents, city staff and the public," she said. "I am determined to earn back your trust and will continue to serve this community with the integrity and the dedication you deserve."

The plea resolves a case that had faced multiple delays and was set to go to trial this week.

WINK News will continue to follow developments and provide updates on air and online.