Mecklenburg County DUI While on Probation

If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) while on probation for prior offenses (such as a prior DUI conviction), you may have your sentence suspension revoked and potentially forfeit your freedom. Additionally, if this second DUI results in a conviction, you may face stiffer penalties including mandatory minimum jail time. If you have been charged with a Mecklenburg County DUI while on probation, a local DUI lawyer could defend you at trial and potentially mitigate any consequences.

Typical Probation Conditions in Mecklenburg County

Some typical conditions of probation include regular meetings with one’s assigned probation officer and screenings for drug or alcohol use. People on probation may also be required to reside at the same address, adhere to curfews, and have officers verify their employment and good behavior. If they are on probation for a DUI or have a restricted license, they may also need to have a breath alcohol ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle.

Under the good behavior clause, people on probation must not have any other traffic or criminal violations during the probation period. If the accused is acquitted of the DUI charge, they will simply remain on probation for the previous offense. However, in rare cases, simply being charged with criminal activity may constitute a violation.

DUI Probation vs. Probation for Other Crimes

There are not many differences between being charged with a DUI while on probation for one DUI or being arrested for a DUI while on probation for another form of crime. A DUI while on any form of probation will usually lead to a new misdemeanor and a revocation of probation. Furthermore, consequences may be aggravated if drinking was a violation of the probation conditions. Second or third DUIs also often come with stiffer penalties as a result of prior offenses.

Being charged with a DUI while on probation may lead the accused to being held without bond due to prior offenses. In general, defendants who were on probation at the time of the DUI or a subsequent DUI offense will face greater scrutiny and have a more difficult time fighting allegations in court.

Violations of Probation

A Mecklenburg County DUI while on probation could lead to criminal consequences, or simply an extension of the pre-assigned period of probation. The probation violation itself may also result in an extension of the probation and it’s conditions.

However, any time a driver is charged with a DUI while on probation, it is a very serious matter because the accused will face a revocation of any suspended sentence that led to their probation. Drivers on probation also face the full penalties and consequences of the DUI charges upon conviction.

The penalties associated with getting a DUI while on probation depend on the terms of the accused’s probation. The DUI could lead to imposition of the full range of consequences for the conviction for probation. Additionally, they might face a full range of consequences for the DUI charge including up to 12 months in jail and a fine of $2,500.

A Lawyer Could Help Defend You From DUI Charges While on Probation

DUI charges are serious in any situation, but when you are charged while on probation for another offense, the stakes may be even higher. You may face criminal consequences for violating parole as well as the punishment for the new crime. If you are facing a Mecklenburg County DUI while on probation, it is essential to contact a seasoned criminal defense lawyer immediately to build a strong defense. Call today to protect your freedom during the trial process.