Being put on probation is never a pleasant experience. It disrupts your private life, sends your stress levels through the roof and leaves a mark on your legal records in the form of a criminal conviction. Many times, probation just ends up being a whirlpool that sucks you down because you can’t meet all of the demands required. The end result of violating probation is usually jail/prison time.
Your best bet? Hire a great attorney, make smart legal decisions, and avoid probation altogether.
“How Did I Get Stuck Here?”
A DWI is leveled against any person found to be intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place. Although the basic definition appears simple, there are many legal minutiae that can affect the case as well as the severity of the sentence.
Some elements of a DWI that need to be proved, beyond a reasonable doubt, in order to convict are:
- Any intoxication was caused by alcohol, a dangerous substance, a drug or a combination of the previously mentioned substances. (Not: a medical condition, drowsiness, ADHD, unfamiliarity with the test, incoordination, physical injury, mental disorder, etc.)
- Operation of a vehicle that uses some form of motor or a similar propulsion system.
- The vehicle travelling in a public place.
While the punishment for a misdemeanor DWI can include jail time, more often than not, you’ll be handed a stiff probation.
“What Does DWI Probation Look Like?”
Depending upon the severity of the punishment, and your legal history, the probation may be quite intrusive. This could mean a SCRAM ankle monitor, a Soberlink alcohol monitoring device, car interlock devices that require you to blow every time you need to drive and even remote home monitoring.
Any fines or fees incurred during the probation period will be paid out of your own pocket. You will also have to attend multiple DWI classes, submit to random drug tests, report to the court before leaving the stat, and work on community service projects, remain alcohol and drug free, no refusal if asked to submit to a breath test, visit a probation officer once a month, and random urine tests. And guess what? In the end of regular probation, it’s still a CONVICTION of DWI. And we haven’t even discussed the collateral consequences to your travel plans, gun rights, or insurance premiums! Costs for probation can range from $5,000-$24,000 when all is said and done.
“How Can I Protect My Freedom? (And my Wallet?)”
Cops and prosecutors may lead you to believe that you’re 100% out of luck the second the cuffs are put on. This is not true. While some punishments come right after the arrest, DWI convictions can be avoided altogether – if you play your cards right. That means doing the following:
- Hire the best trial attorney you can afford asap.
- Don’t violate the terms of your bond.
- Let your lawyer handle the license revocation hearing.
- Always be polite, prompt and dressed nice for court.
Don’t Face Your Charges Alone
If you find yourself facing a DWI charge, don’t fear that you will have to face it alone. Contact Thiessen Law Firm immediately to schedule a free consultation with our expert lawyers, and we will give you the aggressive representation your case deserves. You can feel safe with the knowledge that you have someone by your side who fully understands the legal intricacies of your case and will protect your rights!
