7 Common DUI Probation Conditions

In addition to fines and jail time, a DUI conviction can often result in a defendant being sentenced to probation.

Probation is a criminal penalty that permits a person convicted of a crime to be released back into society. However, an individual on probation does not enjoy the same level of freedom as a typical citizen. The conditions of a person's probation generally depend on the crime for which the conditions are being imposed, but they generally dictate the things a probationer must and must not do.

Here are seven common conditions of DUI probation:

1. Suspension or limitation of driver's license. In many states, DUI probation may include restrictions or an all-out suspension of a person's driver's license.
2. Community service. Probationers also may be required to do community service work, which often includes cleaning up roadsides.
3. "Zero-tolerance" alcohol requirements. In general, the blood-alcohol concentration limit for drivers 21 and over is 0.08 percent. But those on probation for DUI may be subject to zero-tolerance rules, which allow law enforcement to cite a driver for DUI if a BAC test registers any level of alcohol (or a very low level, like 0.02 percent) in the driver's blood.
4. "DUI school" and alcohol treatment. A common requirement for those on DUI probation is registering for mandatory alcohol classes or attendance at DUI prevention programs.
5. No other criminal offenses. Probation also generally requires that no other crimes be committed by the probationer for the duration of the probationary period. Committing a crime during this time may lead to violation of probation and further criminal penalties.
6. Installation of an ignition interlock device. The terms of DUI probation may also include the installation of an ignition interlock device. These devices prevent a vehicle from being started by a person with a measurable amount of alcohol on his or her breath. In addition, the person on DUI probation may be required to cover installation and monitoring fees.
7. Ankle monitoring. A "SCRAM bracelet" attached to a person's ankle can be used by probation officers to monitor the alcohol use of a person who has been convicted of DUI.

To learn more about the potential sentences for a drunken driving conviction, check out FindLaw's section on DUI Cases.

Related Resources:

• Browse DUI / DWI Lawyers by Location (FindLaw)
• Can You Get DUI Probation Instead of Jail? (FindLaw's Blotter)
• What Does 'Wet Reckless' Mean in a DUI Case? (FindLaw's Blotter)
• Michael Phelps Gets Probation in DUI Plea Deal (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)