Texas DWI Probation — Odds of Success Stacked Against Yo

Convicted of DWI?  Given probation?  The odds of successfully completing the process are against you.

In Texas, more than half of all individuals placed on court-mandated community supervision (probation), fail.

And not from committing a new crime.  But, for technical violations.

Something as simple as missing a payment to the court or being late for a meeting with your probation officer, could land you back in jail.  Or, at the very least, you’re given an extended probation period, stricter mandates, and/or more fines.

Why is this a problem?  Because most people believe that probation is the lesser of the two evils between being ‘out’ in the community while serving your ‘time,’ or serving your ‘time’ behind bars.

The fact is that probation (community service in Texas) can be the biggest challenge of your life.

You chose probation so you wouldn’t lose your job, your family life, your property and yourself.  You are hoping this choice will give you somewhat of a normal life while paying your dues.

But what you will encounter while on probation will test everything about you.  And the system is set up to almost guarantee failure rather than success. 

You are given a standard list of rules you MUST follow.  There are about 15 restrictions that are consistent no matter what county or jurisdiction you are in.   But wait.   Each jurisdiction has the ability, depending on the judge, courts, etc. to add more arbitrary rules to the already burdensome list.

In another post, I will start with the standard 15 rules… breaking them down, dissecting them, and explaining exactly what they will mean to you … the challenges you will face adhering to them … to the letter.

Stay tuned.