Probation and Georgia DUI Cases

Probation is an extremely common consequence of a DUI conviction, even if it gets reduced to a lesser charge such as reckless driving. While many people prefer probation to jail time, it is critical that they understand that probation is not a simple undertaking. There are multiple rules you must follow and even one slip up can result in probation being revoked. If you have been charged with DUI and are considering asking for probation instead of jail time, contact our Hall County DUI Lawyers first. We will make sure you fully understand what is expected while on probation and ensure it is the best option for you. Call now and speak with one of our DUI Attorneys in Gainesville.

General Conditions of Probation

While on probation, people are subject to both specific conditions of probation and general conditions of probation. The general conditions of probation include:

• Do not violate the criminal laws of any governmental unit.
• Avoid injurious and vicious habits – especially alcoholic intoxication and narcotics and other dangerous drugs unless prescribed lawfully.
• Avoid persons or places of disreputable or harmful character.
• Report to the Probation/Suspension supervisor as directed and permit such Supervisor to visit you at home or elsewhere.
• Work faithfully at suitable employment insofar as may be possible. Support your legal dependents to the best of your ability.
• Do not change your present place of abode, move outside the jurisdiction of the Court, or leave the State for any period of time without prior permission from the Probation/Suspension supervisor.

In addition to these general rules of probation, people may be subject to some special conditions based on their offense. Special conditions can include fines, community service, DUI school, or MADD victim impact panel. A person will have to comply with both the general and specific probation conditions.

If required to complete community service, it must be done with a registered non-profit organization. Some courts require the community service be completed with a specific program or organization. Most courts have a list of approved organizations you can complete your community services with. If you have an organization that is not on that list, you should speak with your attorney or probation officer to get confirmation that you hours will be counted.

Some courts require attendance at a Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victim Impact Panel. This is a two hour seminar that costs $50 and is held multiple days a month in many locations across Georgia.  Attendees get to hear the stories of those whose lives have been permanently affected by an impaired or reckless driver or those affected by underage drinking.

While on probation, you will likely be required to report in monthly with your probation officer. They will check to see if you are completing all your requirements and you may be subjected to random drug or alcohol screenings.

Once you have completed all of the conditions of your sentence, your probation may become non-reporting at the discretion of the judge. It is best for your Hall County DUI Lawyer to ask for probation to be non-reporting or terminated upon completion of the special conditions.  That must be done at the time of sentencing.

Probation Violation

If you violate the terms of your probation, the consequences can be severe.  The judge in your case may be able to revoke all or part of the remaining term of your probation. If served notice of a probation violation or probation warrant generally you cannot bond out of jail.  You will have to wait for your hearing in custody.

For more information on probation violation in Hall County, please visit our page here.

Contact Us Today

While probation can get you out of jail time, it requires a lot of work and focus to complete all the tasks. You also have to ensure you do stay out of trouble during this time. Before signing onto probation, it is in your best interest to contact our Hall County DUI Lawyers. We will make sure you know what you are getting into and that this is the best option for you. Call now for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.