A Houston Attorney Shares With Us What Occurs During The DUI Probation Process
When you are charged with a DUI it can negatively impact your life for many years. One of the common penalties that are faced by individuals with a driving under the influence conviction is DUI probation. The reason for serving probation following a DUI is to decrease or prevent the likelihood in the future of repeat DUIs. Most states enforce some kind of probationary period for driving under the influence. The precise probation conditions you will need to deal with are going to depend on the DUI laws in your state. You should consult with a DUI attorney in Houston such as Jim Butler for more information. In this article, we will be discussing DUI probation so that you have a better understanding of what takes place during the process.
The DUI Probation Process
The main consequences that will need to be dealt with as part of the DUI probation process include the following:
– Your driver’s license is suspended
– Substance abuse classes
– Devices that monitor your drinking
– Higher insurance rates
– Fines
– Your criminal record being monitored
– Random drug testing
Keep reading for more details on all of the things just listed to have a better understanding of what occurs during the DUI probation process.
Your Driver’s License Is Suspended
Depending on what your state laws are, during the DUI probation process, your driver’s license may be suspended. In terms of its harshness, a driver’s license suspension can be viewed as a medium level form of punishment. There are some states that will entirely revoke your license. Other states might just place some driving restrictions on you. Examples of some of the minor restrictions that might be placed on your driving may include not being able to drive only on certain streets or driving only during certain hours. If your job involves a lot of driving and you have a commercial driver’s license, it may be revoked for a few years if you are charged with a DUI. That could result in you being out of work for a long time. If that is the situation that you are in, then you should find a lawyer to consult with. It might be possible for you to negotiate to have your license reinstated so that you are able to keep your job. You should immediately contact a DUI attorney in Houston to help you with your case.
Devices For Monitoring Your Drinking
When you are on probation for a DUI, there are some states that might require to wear a device for monitoring that amount you drink. It is even more common for those who are repeat DUI offenders. There are two kinds of monitoring devices that are most commonly required to be used during a DUI probation period. A DUI attorney in Houston is very familiar with these devices as the main source used by probation officers to track your alcohol intake. To read about DUI expungement click here.
1. The first kind of device is an ankle bracelet that checks your BAC (blood alcohol content) on a regular basis from the perspiration of your skin. Those devices can be very bothersome and are used more commonly with people who have repeat DUI offenses.
2. Another kind of device you may need to have to use attaches to your car’s dashboard. Before being able to turn on your car you are required to take a breathalyzer test first. They are Ignition Interlock devices and intended to make sure you cannot drive after you have been drinking.
These devices both report back to the probation officer. So if you drink excessively while on probation, most likely you are going to get caught. Choosing to drink and drive when you are on probation and then getting caught by one of the devices is the worst thing that you can possibly due. The state penalties for it vary, but they can be quite severe.
Substance Abuse Classes
Usually, you will be required to attend substance abuse classes when on DUI probation. The kind of class you will be required to take will depend on your probation sentence and state laws. Usually, this involves lessons on DUI prevention and on drug and alcohol use. You may need to attend classes for up to a year or longer: it might be for several months.
Random Drug Tests While On Probation
Quite often, a random drug test is done while you are on DUI probation. Although you may have a device already for monitoring your drinking (like a bracelet), you still may be given random tests for other substances. One thing the court will want to ensure is that you don’t find ways for getting around your monitoring device. A DUI can be given for driving while on other drugs, including prescription drugs. In most states, your probation officer will be closely monitoring you to ensure that you are always in compliance with your probation sentence.
Maintaining A Clean Criminal Record
You are required in some states to maintain a clean criminal record during your DUI probation. You will be monitored closely by your probation officer in these cases, and you will be faced with repercussions if you have any slip-ups. Probation is intended to help you get back on track to live a crime-free healthy, and safe lifestyle. If you commit other crimes while you are on probation, that is a sign that you haven’t learned your lesson.
Contact A DUI Attorney in Houston
For related content check our DWI attorney Houston blog. If you have any questions make sure to contact a DUI attorney in Houston by calling (713) 236-8744.