Ok here's what's going on I got put on probation for six months for a PI( public intoxication) charge. Well I told my probation officer I had a drinking problem and he told me he'de make me go to a 12 hour class which I can't attend until december* its full until then*. Also he's making me go to one AA meeting a week. Well I got a DUI in another state about 3 hours from where I live. What is going to happen? Will my probation officer find out about it or if so will I have to go to jail for the six month suspended sentence? I am currently 21, work two jobs, in college and never got into trouble until this year. Im terrified Im going to go to jail. All I want is help I know I have a alcohol problem my father is an alcoholic *recovering* sober eight years and my grandpa was as well as most of my family. I want to have a life with my girlfriend and just want to get everything straightened out. Im not a trouble maker nor do I wish to be, I don't think I could survive in jail here it's a pretty big city. I just want to get help and stop drinking for good it all started this year as I turned 21. Please any answers will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Slavior,
I think it would depend on a few factors, but I think you could definitely tip the odds a fair bit in your favor. Of course it will depend a great deal on the outlook of the judge. But beyond that, I think honesty is still probably the best policy. I do think it highly likely they will find out sooner than later; but even if they don't, their view could be considerably dimmer months down the road. It would probably, in my opinion, be best to be very forward about it with your probation officer. He should be on your side. Make it clear that you are truly sincere about wanting help. You might even offer to agree to a voluntary evening curfew until your course begins in December. Anything you do to show you're serious about conforming with their mandates can only help.
There is apparently quite a history of alcohol use in your family as well, and strong genetic predispositions aren't likely to be ignored. This coupled with your extremely strong work ethic -- two jobs coupled with college courses is extremely commendable -- definitely denotes you as someone driven to succeed, and not habitually inclined to "offend" in any way. This is your future, and you would certainly stand to lose a great deal.
As long as you are honest, I really don't feel the judge would be overly likely to sentence you to any jail time, but there likely will be some additional consequences imposed. Just be prepared for them not to be happy.
I know there are people on here with a good deal of legal expertise, who should be able to better speculate and help you out further, but I do think honesty can only work in your favor.
I wish you the best. Keep up the great work in college. Take care.

Hello Slavior:

I'm not going to be so nice. You're a drunk. That's fine. But my family is on the road too, and you're a threat to them. That doesn't make me happy.

You want to quit?? Then quit. Do you think taking some 12 hour class is going to do it? You're dreamin... ONE AA meeting a week?? How about THREE A DAY??

Now to your legal problems. In my view, there is a 50/50 chance they'll find it. If they do, you're going to visit Bubba - maybe even be his cellmate. Does any of this make me sad? No.

excon