If you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI) while on probation in Florida, you will face severe penalties. The severity of your penalties will depend on whether your probation specifically prohibits you from alcohol abuse. This DUI probation violation can result in you serving jail time, having your probation revoked, and more.
Experiencing a DUI arrest while on probation in Florida is a serious matter. You must contact a reputable law firm. At The Law Place, we have a team of reputable attorneys who can defend your criminal offense DUI case. To schedule your free consultation with a member of our team, call us now at (941)-444-4444.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Florida?
The penalties following a DUI conviction in Florida are severe. These penalties are outlined under Florida Statute 316.193. DUI penalties will vary depending on how many DUI charges a person has already received.
For example, for a first DUI offense, a person could suffer a driver’s license suspension for 180 days, have to pay a maximum fine of $1,000, complete alcohol highway safety school, require an ignition interlock device installed, serve jail time, and more.
However, a third offense can result in a person suffering a license suspension for 10 years if their offenses all occurred within a decade. A person can also serve jail time, have their vehicle impounded for 90 days, complete DUI school, join a DUI supervision program, require an ignition interlock device for two years, pay a maximum fine of $5,000, and more.
Do I Need to See My Probation Officer?
If you have received probation following your DUI charge, you must attend all meetings with your probation officer. Failing to attend these meetings is a probation violation. This can result in you having your probation revoked and having to face additional criminal criminals.
Your probation conditions will also require you to notify your officer if you change your address or travel out of the state. You will be committing probation violations by traveling out of state without gaining permission from your probation officer. If this occurs you will be required to attend a probation violation hearing.
What Are the Steps Involved in a Probation Violation Process?
When people face criminal charges for DUI in Florida while on probation, they will first of all be required to appear in court. Probation officers will learn about the criminal offenses committed and start the process of revoking their probation. To do this, they will file statements highlighting the probation violations with the court.
If you have been arrested for DUI in Florida while on probation, you must contact a DUI lawyer. Your lawyer will build you a solid defense case to persuade the prosecutor that a probation violation did not occur in your case. You will be required to attend court if you have been accused of committing a DUI while on probation. The lawyer that you hire will do all they can to ensure that they can lessen the penalties you may face.
It is difficult to defend yourself in a criminal trial of this kind and that is why our law firm strongly recommends that you seek legal representation from a reputable criminal defense lawyer.
Can You Be Around Alcohol on Probation?
The terms of your probation will depend on whether you can be around alcohol while on probation. If you are on probation after being convicted of a DUI, you will likely be barred from being around alcohol.
If you are unsure of what the terms of your probation are, you should organize a meeting with your probation officer. You should do all you can to avoid committing a probation violation in Florida. Breaking your probationary sentence can result in suffering severe penalties.
Mistakes happen and if you have accidentally broken the terms of your probation, you should contact an attorney. An attorney-client relationship at The Law Place is built on commitment. We will do all we can to help you avoid the most severe penalties for your probation violation.
What Happens if You Violate DUI Probation in Florida?
If you violate your DUI probation in Florida, your probation may be revoked. Not only this, but you may have to serve jail time for both your underlying DUI conviction as well as your new criminal conviction. By violating your DUI probation, you may face many penalties that can impact your life and the lives of your loved ones severely.
Can You Drink Alcohol on Probation?
The terms of your probation will determine whether you can drink alcohol while being on probation. If you have previously received a DUI charge or committed an offense because of alcohol abuse, it is unlikely that you will be able to drink alcohol on probation.
You should speak to your probation officer to find out the specific terms of your probation if you are unsure. Being caught committing a probation violation can carry severe penalties. At The Law Place, we strongly urge that people act cautiously and if they are unsure, always check.
How Can a Person Be Charged for Violating Their Probation?
To be charged with violating their probation, the prosecutor in the criminal case will need to prove that an offense was committed beyond all reasonable doubt. If a prosecutor fails to have enough evidence to hold against the defendant, it is unlikely that a person will be charged for violating their probation.
If you are headed to court for violating your probation, you need to hire an experienced trial attorney. Your attorney will be able to cross-examine the evidence held against you by the prosecution. Additionally, they will be able to build you a strong defense strategy to defend your innocence. The penalties awarded to a person for breaking their probation are often severe and that is why these cases need to be taken seriously.
What Happens if You Get a DUI on Probation? FAQ
What happens if you get arrested for a DUI while on probation?
Getting arrested for a DUI while on probation can result in serious consequences, as it constitutes violating probation terms. This can lead to additional penalties and complications in your existing probation.
How does violating probation impact your legal situation?
Violating probation by getting a DUI can lead to the court deciding to revoke probation or impose stricter terms. An arrest warrant may be issued, and you may face new criminal charges in addition to your existing ones.
What steps should you take if you are arrested for a DUI on probation?
If you are arrested for a DUI while on probation, you should immediately contact a criminal defense attorney and an experienced DUI attorney. They can help navigate the legal process and defend your rights.
Can a DUI arrest lead to felony probation?
Yes, depending on the severity of the DUI and your prior criminal record, a DUI arrest while on probation can escalate your situation to felony probation, especially if you were already on felony probation.
What is a zero tolerance law and how does it apply?
Zero tolerance laws are strict regulations that impose severe penalties for specific offenses. If you violate probation by getting a DUI, you may face zero tolerance policies that lead to harsher consequences.
How can a criminal defense attorney help in this situation?
A criminal defense attorney can help by representing you in court, negotiating plea agreements, and working to minimize the impact of the DUI on your probation status. They provide essential guidance throughout the legal process.
What are the potential additional penalties for violating probation with a DUI?
Additional penalties for violating probation with a DUI can include extended probation terms, increased fines, mandatory counseling or rehabilitation, community service, or even jail time.
What does it mean to revoke probation?
To revoke probation means that the court cancels your probation, and you may be required to serve the original jail or prison sentence that was previously suspended.
What role does the probation office play after a DUI arrest?
After a DUI arrest, the probation office will be notified, and they will report the violation to the court. They may recommend additional penalties or actions based on the probation violation.
Can you face a new criminal charge for a DUI while on probation?
Yes, you can face a new criminal charge for the DUI itself, separate from the consequences of violating probation. This new charge will be handled as a separate court case.
How does a plea agreement affect a DUI charge on probation?
A plea agreement can potentially reduce the severity of the charges or penalties. Your criminal defense attorney will work to negotiate a favorable plea agreement that considers both the DUI charge and the probation violation.
What should you expect during the court case for a DUI on probation?
During the court case, you will need to address both the DUI charge and the probation violation. The judge will review the circumstances, and you may face a hearing to determine whether probation should be revoked.
How important is it to adhere to probation terms after a DUI arrest?
Adhering to probation terms is crucial after a DUI arrest to avoid further penalties. Any additional violations can lead to more severe consequences and complicate your legal situation even further.
Should I Contact The Law Place?
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence while on probation, you must contact The Law Place. If found guilty, you may have your probation revoked and have to serve harsh penalties.
At The Law Place, we have a term of attorneys with over 75 years of combined experience. We have the knowledge and experience you need to help you with your case. Committing a probation violation is serious and you cannot afford to treat these cases lightly. We have defended countless clients across the state of Florida and we can help you too.
To organize your free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, call our law offices now at (941)-444-4444.