Being arrested for driving under the influence can create a number of serious issues, but it is quite likely that your primary concern will be trying to avoid spending time in jail.
While jail time is a possibility, so too is probation. And you are more likely to receive probation if the following conditions are true:
- You have no DUI arrests from the last 10 years on your record.
- You have no or minimal criminal history.
- You have no history of violence, mental illness, or substance abuse.
- You have a regular job.
These conditions indicate that you are a low-risk offender. But understand that even if a court grants you probation, it can be revoked if a judge should see fit. This means that you could still end up doing time, even after receiving probation.
Having to serve a jail sentence, even a short one, can cause you a whole host of problems. While you are serving your time, you will still need to deal with many of your day-to-day obligations, such as getting your bills paid and making sure your children are being properly cared for. It is even possible that you could lose your job if your employer is upset by your absence from work.
So before you enter a plea or agree to any penalties, you may want to discuss your case with a DUI attorney. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to fight the charges and have them dropped. If this is not possible, the attorney can work in an effort to get you the best outcome possible.