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