WHAT EXACTLY IS PROBATION?

This is another brief article on various aspects of D.U.I. defense and process in Palm Beach County, Florida, brought to you by The Florida D.U.I. Lawyer, http://www.floridaduilawyer.com/.

In Palm Beach County, Florida county probation is administered by Pride Integrated Services. Pride has several locations in Palm Beach County. Ok, you have been placed on probation for D.U.I. or even a reckless driving in lieu of D.U.I., and you are wondering what happens.You have already met with the in-court probation officer or went to the probation cubicle on the 9th Floor of the Palm Beach Courthouse where you signed your order of probation (the judge will sign it later) and received instructions for your follow-up appointment.

I always tell my clients to immediately call the number that is circled on a little document that was received from the court probation officer. When that number is called the defendant receives a follow-up appointment. When the defendant arrives at the follow-up appointment he/she will meet a probation officer. The defendant also brings in a money order for $50.00 , this is to cover the first month of supervision costs (yes, that is right $50.00 each and every month until you are off probation). You may also pay your fines and court costs through the probation office, by separate money order of course.

The officer will again, go over the do's and don'ts, which are really simple. First do not get re-arrested for anything. Second, make sure you complete all special consitions of probation. Third, don't drink, if that is part of your sentence. The officer is essentially there to make sure that you comply with all the special conditions. For example, if you went to the clerk's office and paid your fines and court costs, you received a receipt from the clerk. You should give a copy of this receipt to your probation officer, who hopefully will place it in your file. When you complete the D.U.I. School you will receive a little certificate from the school (oh, Pride also runs a D.U.I. School). You should allow your probation officer to make a copy of this certificate. The same can be said of the community service hours, which when you do them make sure you get something on the agency's letterhead to that effect. Allow the probation to make a copy. Ditto, with the Victim Impact Panel. You should ALWAYS retain your copies in a file folder.

A word about probation officers, they are overworked and don't make much money. There is also the possibility that they wish they were elsewhere, such as being a sworn law enforcement officer, then they could really throw their weight around. Or, maybe they really want to go to law school. Don't expect them to be sympathethic with you. They are not your friend! If you violate the terms of your probation they will file an affidavit of violation with the sentencing judge, who will issue a warrant for your arrest.

Well, that is essentially it! If you wish to discuss your D.U.I. arrest, or life, the universe, and everything you may call me at 561-616-8700. My e-mail is DUITIM@floridaduilawyer.com and my website is http://www.floridaduilawyer.com/

Copyright 2008 by Timothy Foster. All rights reserved!