Understanding Your Rights

DUI Probation: What Types Of Conditions Can Be Expected

When you have been convicted of a crime, you may be able to receive probation as your criminal penalty. This is often a requirement in order to be released back to your normal life. While you may be back in the community, you do not have your complete freedom just yet because of the probation. The conditions and extent of your probation will be based on the crime that you allegedly committed. Regardless, the terms of a probation sentence will dictate what you must do and what you cannot do. Here are a few of the common conditions that you can expect when placed on DUI probation:

Suspension of Your Driver's License.

If you've been charged and convicted of a DUI, then you will likely receive a suspension of your driver's license. If your license is not fully suspended or revoked, then there may be certain restrictions. For example, you could be stuck with a hardship license, which only allows you to drive to and from school/work.

Community Service.

Another common condition of probation is community service. The most common form of community service, and the one that most people are the most familiar with, is picking up trash along the side of the highways. Depending on the degree of your probation and the crime that you committed, community service could involve something entirely different, such as working at a community center.

Enrollment in a Substance Abuse Program.

DUI school or alcohol classes may also be required if you are on DUI probation. The point of these classes are to hopefully prevent you from using alcohol in a negative light again in the future. When this type of program is a condition of your probation, you must attend all classes. You must also complete the program as ordered by the court.

Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device.

This type of device is installed on the vehicle to prevent it from starting if the driver of the vehicle is intoxicated. It can sometimes be used for first-time offenders who want to avoid having their license suspended at all, such as in Alabama.  The driver will blow into a tube that will test the blood alcohol content level in his or her breath. If the breath is clear of alcohol, the vehicle will start. Otherwise, it will not. These devices are set up so that another person cannot blow into the device to try to get the vehicle to start. Keep in mind that the court may require that you cover the cost for installation of this device and the subsequent monitoring and maintenance fees.

If you've been charged with DUI, you may want to speak to a professional DUI attorney to learn more about your legal rights, potential defenses and possible sentences.