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View Full Version : Probation Violation - Drunk in Public Lycoming County PA


tyguy123
Jul 1, 2012, 03:31 PM
I've been on probation for five months. I had a DUI and an unauthorized use of a vehicle in Williamsport, PA. All of my fines are paid, service hours are done, and all classes have been taken; I just had the rest of the two years of probation to finish (Feb 2014).
Friday night, after a really rough day at work and missing my only sister's wedding earlier that week due to not being able to leave the state, I made the mistake of going to a bar with some coworkers. We stayed late and I refused to ride with them because we had all been drinking. I passed out on the front steps of the bar waiting for my cab and the police found me.
I got a drunk in public citation, which is a violation of my probation. What am I looking at as far as my punishment? I've been perfect up to this point, and the time in jail that I'm sure that I'll get is most likely going to end up in the loss of my job. What is my best course of action?
Thanks for your time.

JudyKayTee
Jul 1, 2012, 04:01 PM
The best course of action is to retain a GOOD Attorney - and stop blaming other factors. You broke probation by having too much to drink and passing out. The Court doesn't want to think that every time life gets stressful you are going to relapse.

You could get sentenced to jail on your original charge PLUS violating, you could get a warning, you could get more community service. Anything, including a mix and match, is possible.

I would NOT go into Court without a very good Attorney, particularly if your job is at stake.

tyguy123
Jul 1, 2012, 04:17 PM
Thanks a lot, I guess the attorney was the real question that I had.

JudyKayTee
Jul 1, 2012, 04:23 PM
I wouldn't venture into Court without one - he/she can present the circumstances of missing the wedding and the resulting stress in such a way that the Court won't think it's an excuse.

Sounds like you've been straight and clean and slipped up once and truly are regretful.

An Attorney will help the Court to see that and hopefully your employer won't find out.

Good luck!

tyguy123
Jul 1, 2012, 04:25 PM
I've already told my employer so that he knows where I am if I don't show up for work. The loss of my job would be from him having to replace me. Thanks, though, that info really is helpful.

Fr_Chuck
Jul 1, 2012, 04:38 PM
If they violate you, my guess is you are picked up and held for 2 or 3 weeks to a hearing,
Perhaps they will put you back on probation, with additional AA classes

Or maybe 2 or 3 months in jail to get your attention.

It is just impossible to guess what the judge will do.