Staff Report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Joseph Daniel Miranda, aged 33, has been handed a three-year prison sentence, along with two years of probation for drug offenses. This follows his no contest plea to several charges, including DUI, reckless driving exceeding 120 mph, illegal possession of ammunition due to his felon status, and two drug-related offenses.

Miranda was taken into custody on August 16, 2025, following an incident where he collided with another vehicle on I-75 while driving under the influence at speeds over 120 mph. A subsequent search of his vehicle led to charges of possessing large quantities of drugs intended for distribution and possession of a shotgun shell.

For more details on his arrest, click here to read our full article.

Watch the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office video of the incident here.

Initially, Miranda faced a series of charges including DUI, DUI with property damage, reckless driving exceeding 100 mph, reckless driving causing property damage, possession of ammunition as a convicted felon, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of cocaine, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. At the time of his arrest, he had two prior felony convictions—one of which was violent—and two non-violent misdemeanor convictions.

On January 27, he entered a plea of nolo contendere to possession of drugs with intent to sell, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, DUI with injury or property damage, and driving more than 50 mph over the speed limit.

On January 29, Judge James Colaw sentenced him to three concurrent sentences of three years in prison, followed by two years of probation, for the charges of selling drugs, possessing ammunition, and drug possession. He was sentenced to 13 days in jail with credit for 13 days served for the DUI and reckless driving charges. In addition, a restitution hearing is scheduled for March, and Miranda was ordered to have no alcohol or illegal drugs, attend DUI school, pay $1,000 fine plus court costs, perform 50 hours of community service, and undergo random drug screens and a substance abuse evaluation, followed by any recommended treatment. His vehicle was also impounded for 10 days, and an ignition interlock device will be placed on his vehicle for six months.