| There are many punishments that may be ordered | | | | contact with their probation officers, others may have |
| after a DUI conviction: jail time, community service, | | | | to meet in person. These meetings may range from |
| mandatory alcohol classes, fines, and a driver’s | | | | every week to once a month. During these meetings, |
| license suspension. The judge may also sentence you | | | | the offender is subject to random drug and alcohol |
| to DUI probation. | | | | testing. |
| The length of a DUI probation period differs based on | | | | In some cases, the offender may be ordered to have |
| the state and the circumstances involved in the | | | | an ignition interlock device installed in his or her vehicle. |
| drunk-driving charge. The DUI probation period for a | | | | This device is designed to keep the car from starting if |
| misdemeanor offense ranges from three months to | | | | the driver’s blood alcohol content is over a certain |
| one year. For a more serious DUI charge, the probation | | | | limit. The driver must take in the car to have the test |
| period may last several years. | | | | results downloaded. Failing the breath test on this |
| If a person on probation commits any new crime | | | | device may be reported to the offender’s |
| during the probation period, he or she faces enhanced | | | | probation officer. |
| punishments. This could be new jail time, new fines, or | | | | Probation officers have two roles: they try to help the |
| a longer probation period. | | | | offender get his or her life on track, and they also |
| It is crucial that you understand and comply all of the | | | | monitor the offender to make sure he or she is |
| terms and conditions of your probation. You will be | | | | compliant with the sentence. Probation officers are |
| assigned to a designated probation officer who will | | | | permitted to search an offender’s home without a |
| meet with you to ensure all conditions are being met. | | | | warrant. They are expected to report any probation |
| This may include alcohol treatment and counseling, | | | | violations to the district attorney. |
| vehicle restrictions, and “DUI School” | | | | In many DUI cases, the offender receives a |
| requirements. | | | | suspended jail sentence. However, if probation is |
| During probation, most DUI offenders are supervised | | | | revoked, the offender will be required to serve out his |
| by a probation officer; however, some first-time | | | | or her jail time. In this event, the offender has the |
| offenders are put on probation for a certain amount of | | | | opportunity to attend a hearing to submit evidence and |
| time without having to register with the probation | | | | tell his or her side of the story. It is decided on a |
| office. | | | | case-by-case basis whether an offender may be |
| While some DUI offenders might only have phone | | | | represented by an attorney during this process. |