DUI Probation Period and The Factors Involved

In most instances, motorists who are caught driving under the influence receive probation. One can get this through jury trial convictions, plea bargains or bench trial convictions.

If ever you get convicted of DUI and you receive probation, you certainly must adhere to certain conditions. These conditions vary from state to state as well as the nature and seriousness of the offense. Generally speaking, these conditions include paying court fees, asking permission from the court before leaving the state, notifying the court before changing an employer and/or residence and checking in with a probation officer regularly.

With DUI conviction, the most common penalty you can get is the suspension of your driver's license. It depends on the state as well as the number of times you have gotten convicted of such serious offense, whether you get a temporary suspension or permanent revocation. In addition to that, there could also be some special conditions that the court may impose. Some of the conditions include participation in alcohol education courses and confinement in communication correction centers.

Many other factors vary from state to state. For instance, in Texas, people who are on probation may have to drive vehicles installed with ignition locks. Before getting back to your driving routine, you may also be required to pass a breath sample test. While most of these conditions are pretty stern, you still have to look up your State's Annotated Code as the laws can still differ.

The length depends on various factors. First off, it can be based on whether you enter into a plea bargain or go through a jury or bench trial. Apparently, those people who enter into plea bargains can get a shorter probationary period. In addition, these individuals can also negotiate less strict conditions as opposed to those who get convicted.

Second, the length of probation can vary depending on how many times you got convicted of DUI. Generally speaking, first-time offenders are likely to get less time than those who have committed the same offense over and over again.

Other factors that significantly affects the length of DUI probation are the state laws. States that have more rigid anti-drinking laws usually impose a minimum and maximum amount of time an offender has to spend under observation. Now if the person has also committed other crimes, he is likely to spend more time compared to someone who hasn't violated any offense in the past.