Naples Mayor Resolves DUI Case With No Contest Plea and Court-Ordered Restrictions

The long-running DUI case involving Teresa Heitmann came to a close this week after the Naples mayor entered a no-contest plea just days before a scheduled trial, ending legal proceedings that had stretched on for more than a year.

The plea agreement was accepted by a Collier County judge and allowed the case to conclude without a jury hearing evidence. By choosing a no-contest plea, the mayor did not formally admit guilt but accepted the resulting conviction and sentencing terms. The decision came shortly before she was expected to appear in court, effectively ending a case that had generated ongoing attention across Naples and surrounding Southwest Florida communities.

The charge stemmed from an August 2024 arrest following reports from a motorist who told authorities the mayor was driving aggressively and tailgating. According to law enforcement records, officers later determined that her blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit. The incident led to a misdemeanor DUI charge and a lengthy pretrial process that included multiple hearings and legal motions over evidence and police procedure.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, the mayor will serve a period of probation, pay fines and court costs, complete required educational and evaluation programs, and face restrictions related to driving privileges. The agreement also includes a temporary driver’s license revocation, the installation of an ignition interlock device for several months, and community service obligations. Additional conditions prohibit alcohol consumption outside the home and allow for random testing during probation.

The resolution closes a case that had experienced several delays, including postponed trial dates and legal challenges filed by the defense. Attempts were made to suppress certain evidence obtained during the arrest process, but those motions were denied, keeping the case on track for trial until the late plea decision brought the matter to an end.

The outcome arrives during the mayor’s second term in office after a narrow reelection victory in 2024. Her leadership tenure has included high-profile city projects and recovery efforts related to infrastructure and redevelopment, making the legal case a consistent topic of discussion in local political circles. The timing of the plea, coming just days before trial, removed the possibility of a prolonged courtroom battle that could have extended media attention into the spring.

While the legal process has now concluded, the situation is likely to remain part of public conversation as residents evaluate accountability and leadership expectations for elected officials. DUI cases involving public figures often draw heightened scrutiny, particularly when they involve allegations of aggressive driving or potential risk to others on the road.

For many observers, the resolution reflects the legal system’s emphasis on negotiated outcomes rather than courtroom trials, especially in misdemeanor cases. The plea avoids the uncertainty of a jury verdict while still imposing formal penalties intended to address the offense.

As the city moves forward, attention is expected to shift back toward policy decisions and ongoing municipal projects. However, the case serves as a reminder of how personal legal matters involving elected leaders can intersect with public trust and civic discourse, especially in a closely watched community like Naples.