Grand Rapids Probation For DUI Charges

If you are convicted of DUI in Grand Rapids, then you will be placed on probation, usually for a minimum of one year. The purpose of probation is to assure that you are transitioning well from the conviction back into normal life and normal driving. During your probation you will be required to do many things, like abstain from drugs and alcohol, complete community service, and usually some form of alcohol or drug counseling. If you fail to complete all of these things, then you will be served with an order to "show cause" as to why you should not be held in contempt of court for failing to do what the judge told you to do.

Judges do all of this because they believe that driving under the influence (DUI) is an offense that should carry serious consequences. If you are caught operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher, you may be charged with drunk driving and sentenced to penalties such as jail time, community services, fines, and the loss of driving privileges. You may also be sentenced to Michigan DUI probation.

The length of Michigan DUI probation depends on the jurisdiction and the factors involved in the case. In the case of a DUI misdemeanor offense, your probation period may range from 12-18 months. Sometimes, in rare cases, there is no probation, non-reporting probation, or probation period of less than one year. If you have prior DUI convictions on your record, or cause an accident while intoxicated, your probation period may be increased.

You may be ordered to attend drug and alcohol education classes and/or treatment as part of your probation. These sentences are intended to deter offenders from driving under the influence in the future. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may also be ordered to abstain from drinking alcohol.

Completely understanding and abiding by the terms of your probation is important. You will be assigned to a probation officer who may require you to check in periodically to make sure you are meeting the conditions of your sentence. These conditions may include following your vehicle restrictions and attending alcohol counseling and DUI School.

If a convicted DUI offender commits a new crime while still on probation, he or she may be sentenced to enhanced penalties, which may include increased jail time, new fines, and a longer probation period.

The Department of Motor Vehicles may suspend or revoke your driving privileges while you are on probation; however, you may be eligible for a limited driving permit which allows you to drive to and from work, school, and other necessary locations. If you are caught driving to an unapproved location with a suspended or revoked license, you may face additional consequences.

There are many ways you could violate your parole, including:

• Missing your probation meetings
• Failing a drug or alcohol test
• Not attending mandatory counseling or classes
• Getting arrested for a new offense
• Tampering with your ignition lock or monitoring devices

In Michigan, you can receive a notification if you have a probation violation. You also have a show cause hearing, which involves going to court to fight the probation violation. During the court appearance, various witnesses and your probation officer can present evidence to prove you violated the terms of the agreement.

You also get a chance to challenge the violation. Having a defense attorney by your side during this hearing is essential to improve the outcome. If the judge decides you violated your parole, you could face consequences, including jail time, a longer probation period, and revocation of restricted driving privileges. Those punishments could affect your livelihood and personal relationships significantly, creating a financial burden and additional stress.

Working with an attorney from the start often helps you receive a shorter probation period with fewer conditions. Your attorney uses a variety of legal strategies to minimize the consequences of a DUI as a whole.

Hiring a DUI probation lawyer after a violation means you have an expert advocate on your side throughout the hearing process. Your attorney will review the evidence and determine the best strategies for challenging the violation. They can also represent you during the hearing, so you don't have to navigate that legal process alone. An experienced attorney can effectively cross-examine witnesses during the hearing to identify potential weaknesses in their information.

A defense attorney also handles the negotiations if the judge determines you violated your probation. They can often negotiate alternative sentencing options, such as sobriety court or treatment-based probation, to help you avoid more severe consequences, such as jail time.

If you have a pending DUI case, contact The Barone DUI Defense Firm today. Their attorneys can answer any questions you have regarding Michigan DUI probation and other possible consequences. Receive a free DUI case evaluation and complimentary copy of The Michigan DUI Book (A Citizen's Handbook on Fighting a Michigan DUI Case) by submitting your case information in our online form.