Going for a DWI Probation

When the cops have booked you for driving while impaired (DWI), the sentence can work out in one of a few ways. These include the suspension of drivers' license, fines, and a degree of jail time – or all three penalties mixed into a punishing cocktail. However, the defendant's counsel can convince the judge to put their client on DWI probation with a probation officer assigned to keep tabs on him. There are conditions that the offender should follow, which may differ on one of five aggravated levels as stated in North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS).

Level V Punishment carries the light penalties, as stated under NCGS § 20-179(k). A jail term of between 24 hours to 120 days plus fines of up to $200 are imposed. If the judge grants probation, they can state other conditions to augment obligations of undergoing substance abuse and related education.

Level I DWI Punishments under NCGS § 20-179(g), the toughest, carry terms of between 30 days to 24 months plus a fine of up to $4,000 if the chief aggravating factor was the defendant being accompanied by a minor at the time of the offense. However, if probation is ordered, the defendant should abstain from alcohol for a minimum of 30 days up to the maximum term, but the authorities will keep watch through an alcohol monitoring system.

Prison time can be trying for the defendant. If probation status is granted, it's up to them to make amends.