DUI Probation
In these days, it is not uncommon to hear about people ranging from the
next door neighbor to Paris Hilton being pulled over for driving
erratically, eventually leading the police to book them for driving
under the influence, or a DUI. But what happens after the court
hearing? What are the repercussions that follow for choosing to drive
while impaired? This article will explore the nature of DUI probation
and what one should expect while living under it.
It is true that probation is a tedious and interminable period after
the primary punishment but it does help bring safety to the life of the
convicted driver. It provides the person a way to stay on track and
avoid situations where they could possibly fall back into criminal
activity. From experiences dealt with by my family, I believe that
probationary periods allow the convicted person to re-evaluate their
life and possibly move onto a new path believed to be impossible
before. But, to understand what DUI probation entiles, we must delve
into the definition of the DUI itself.
What is a DUI?
A DUI is charged when it has been determined that a person is under the
influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle, a bike, or
other means of transportation. Being convicted of a DUI can lead the
driver to pay a heavy fine or complete jail sentence; both could be
appropriate depending on the damage that was caused.
As time and science have progressed, testing suspects of driving while
under the influence has become increasingly more decisive through
issuing breathalyzer tests which measures the amount BAC, or blood
alcohol content. The blood alcohol content is the concentration of
alcohol in a person's blood which can be considered illegal if it
exceeds a certain number which varies depending on specific
jurisdictions.
How is a DUI Probation Different from
Other Types of Criminal Probation?
Like many criminal offenses, a DUI has period of probation in which the
convicted driver must adhere to a number of rules and limitations while
meeting regularly with a designated probation officer. The terms of
this probation can vary state-to-state but the specifics do separate it
from other forms of criminal probations.
Under DUI probation, there are many administrative penalties that can
take place such as the license of the driver being suspended or
revoked. Also, DUI probation can put the convicted person into
government appointed rehabilitation programs and "DUI schools." In
short, DUI probation does limit certain things that other probations do
not. It must be followed strictly to avoid harsher fines and longer
jail sentences.
Special Stipulations under DUI
Probation
As stated before, there are many conditions that the convicted drunk
driver must adhere to if they want to correctly fulfill their
probationary requirements. These could include being enrolled in an
alcohol abuse program where the driver can be taught how to deal with
the physical and emotional impact alcohol or other impairment
substances can have on them.
Also, the convicted person may be required to comply with random
sobriety tests and wear an alcohol monitoring device that notifies
authorities of their alcohol intake. Another measure that the state can
take to lessen the chance that the offender will repeat his crime is to
install an ignition interlock device into the driver's personal
vehicle, if his privileges to it have not been revoked.
Advice
If I had to give any type of advice, I would ask those with DUI
probations, or any other form of criminal probations, to comply with
the requirements set by the court and to avoid any other criminal
activity that could threaten the completion of the probation. Since DUI
laws vary according to every state and jurisdiction, it would be a good
idea to contact a DUI
lawyer who can provide better insight and properly advise a course
of action to the convicted person in their unique situation.