CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

DUI Collisions and Probation

Probation After a DUI Accident: What You Need to Know

Anyone who’s convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) that results in an accident can face severe legal consequences. If you’re facing these charges, Todd Spodek, a leading DUI attorney in Los Angeles, can help you navigate this complicated legal process. One of the consequences of a DUI accident that causes injuries is being placed on probation as a result of the conviction. Here’s what you need to know:

Understanding Probation for DUI

When a driver causes an accident while intoxicated, the district attorney and the court can impose additional probationary terms. These consequences depend on several factors, such as the accident’s severity and the offender’s criminal history, among others. These additional terms could include longer probation periods, higher fines, and compensation payments for victims’ medical bills and other damages that result from the accident.

The judge typically bases the length of probation on various factors, including the defendant’s prior criminal record and evidence that the defendant is an upstanding member of the community. An experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer like Todd Spodek can play a crucial role in reducing the probation term by presenting the court with evidence of your community ties, such as your employment or family relations in the area.

Probation Terms to Keep in Mind

When the judge declares the probation terms, you must understand what’s expected of you as a defendant. If the defendant violates the terms of probation, this could mean jail time or other harsh consequences. As part of the probation requirements, defendants may need to pay restitution to the victims. In some cases, the defendant’s insurance company may cover part of the restitution obligation. If the defendant can’t pay the restitution, they may request a hearing to modify the order, and the victim must prove the ordered amount’s legitimacy by providing medical bills and other proof of lost wages.

Once it’s determined what amount you must pay, you may make monthly payments instead of a lump sum. If you fail to make payments, it can result in a violation of probation. Please note that you can’t use a lack of employment as an excuse not to pay, and non-payment carries its legal consequences. If you make a good faith effort to pay the ordered amount during your probation, the court could perform an extension on your payments even after your probation has ended.

Community Service and Jail Time

Community service might be part of your probation requirements, and the judge might require incarceration in some cases. If jail time is part of your sentence, this is to demonstrate that the court takes this matter seriously, and if you violate probation terms in any way, the court could activate your full sentence.

Finally, alcohol education programs are an additional option that a DUI offender can participate in as part of their probation requirements. The court can order different types of classes and community service programs to raise awareness and educate guilty drivers about the danger of driving under the influence. Once the offender completes these programs, they need to gather completion certificates, which a seasoned DUI attorney like Todd Spodek can help you present to the court.

Keeping in mind that your probation after a DUI accident carries serious consequences, it’s essential to get the legal help of a law professional like Todd Spodek, who can assess your case and provide the proper guidance.