Navigating Probation After a DWI or DUI in Texas
Introduction
Navigating probation after a DWI, DUI, or public intoxication charge in Texas is tough. In fact, Texas is one of the most difficult states regarding the probation process. But, you do not have to face it alone. I have been through probation several times successfully. You may be asking right now…. several times? Yes. It wasn’t the probation I had a problem with, it was staying clean and sober after each release. But I finally figured out the reasons behind my relapses, became a certified Peer Recovery Coach and a certified Sober Life Coach. But these certifications and roles only help you once you are out of court-mandated probation.
After my latest probation experience I had the ah-ha moment. Each one of my probation experiences was different and arbitrary. Different counties, different lawyers, different judges, different rules….and how those rules (different or similar) were never consistent across the board. Never.
So. Who’s there to help you once you are arrested? No one at first. You have to figure out how to get bailed out. But before that can happen you have to wait for hours, usually overnight, before a judge sets your bail. And it is done with a cattle call. You and a group of others are lined up and called by name. One by one, the judge tells you what you are allegedly charged with and bail is set. Now, the bail is set by the judge. And it can be ridiculously high if they don’t read your paperwork and get you mixed up with someone else. That’s what happened to me. The judge thought I had been in prison (which was not true — now or then) and set my bail for a DWI 2 at $20,000.
I asked the judge why? She said it was because I had been in prison and didn’t bother to care when I protested. So, I was stuck. Luckily I had someone who went with me to the bailbond place and assist with the ridiculous bail. At that price, you have to have someone “co-sign” for you because the price is so high on your head. Even the bailbondsman did a double-take on the bond amount for a DWI 2. He said he never heard of even a DWI3 that high (unless there were other circumstances such as manslaughter).
Then the real fun begins. You go into what I call “probation limbo.” You don’t have your official rules for probation yet. You are assigned a probation officer to get the process rolling about keeping an eye on you. Hopefully by now you either have a court-appointed attorney or are in the process of getting your own. That will be the person that will be looking at your paperwork and trying to figure out the best deal you can get, which will be official when you get your court date. The court date could take as long as a year to be set. So the probation clock doesn’t start ticking until then. In other words. If it is determined you will get two years…. that won’t start until that court date. Your time in limbo is just that …. useless limbo.
So you get your day in court (or in front of the judge along with your lawyer). This is where your life becomes at the mercy of what is on those official papers. Your jail time to serve will be set. And you will most likely serve some time in jail. How you serve it depends on your lawyer, the judge, the sheriff’s department and maybe others. Your community service hours are set (the number, again is negotiated by your lawyer and the powers that be). Your fees, fines, meetings, counseling, AA meetings…. the list goes on…… will be in those papers.
You will be required to keep a job or be enrolled in school. You will be required to stay away from anyone with a criminal record. You will be required to maintain obligations to your family (child support, etc.). You will be required to go to AA meetings, counseling sessions, community service, specialty court appearances or other programs, weekly or daily call-ins, ignition interlock devices, random urine tests, subject to home and job visits…and the list continues depending on your “papers.”
Your probation officer has hundreds of probationers a month to deal with and will not have the time or patience to babysit you. Your friends and family will not be able to help you with the technical aspects of navigating this most challenging journey of your life.
Here’s were I come in. I can help you figure out how you can incorporate these new obligations into your life by helping you maintain a schedule, keep good records (documentation will be crucial in everything), be a liaison/advocate/voice for you, helping you put your best foot forward in the eyes of the justice system. Remember at this point you are no longer innocent until proven guilty…you are guilty and have to prove you can behave.
The stress is incredible. But as your Probation Coach, I will help you figure out healthy ways to deal with what you have to go through… and you can get through it. Remember, I’ve been there. And now…here.
The worst thing you can do is get information and advice from online forums, social media and the like. And on that note, you want to stay off of social media as probation officers and the courts often monitor your behavior to see if you are in compliance (ie. at a party with alcohol in the picture).
You need the personalized support that I can provide witch is vital for a successful probation. I will address your specific requirements and formalize a workable plan unique to your situation.