If you entered a guilty plea to a DUI or lost your case at trial, this article is for you. It discusses what to do next once you have a DUI conviction. Following these steps will help you succeed in completing your probation successfully and putting this conviction behind you.
Set Yourself Up for Probation Success
- Know. Make sure you find out what the terms are of your probation and how long it lasts. Typically, you will at minimum be ordered to stay drug free and not have any other criminal offenses.
- Do. Confirm that you have your paperwork and call the court for a copy if you have lost it. This will list what you need to accomplish and when. Typically you will need a counseling evaluation and a certain amount of counseling sessions. You may have community service obligations. Following through with the Court’s orders is essential.
- Report. Ensure that anything you complete is reported, because you want to “get credit” for the counseling, etc. that you finish. If you don’t know whether the court has a record of what you’ve done, be proactive to call and find out.
Do Not Drive with a Suspend Driver’s License
- Don’t drive while your license is suspended. Typically, your license will be suspended. Make sure that you do not drive during the suspension period.
- Complete the DUI Program. You will likely need to complete a DUI program prior to reinstatement of your license.
- More information about Suspended Driver’s License. For more information about a suspended driver’s license in California go to http://www.dmv.org/ca-california/suspended-license.php
Compliant Driving after a DUI – Interlock and Insurance
- Interlock. An ignition interlock device prevents you from driving with a level of blood alcohol above the setting. You will typically be ordered to utilize this device for a certain amount of time following your DUI, and you shouldn’t do anything to try to bypass the system.
- Insurance. You need a special type of automobile insurance following a DUI. It is often called high-risk or SR-22 insurance. Make sure that you obtain the right kind of insurance and keep your payments current.
If you take the time to know and obey the terms of your probation, you can successfully overcome a DUI conviction. Make sure that you find out what you need to accomplish, avoid driving while your license is suspended, and take the steps necessary once your driving privileges are restored.
