Probation: Ohio DUI Options for Judges

Nearly 100% of individuals charged with DUI will receive “Probation” which is now known in Ohio as “Community Control”.  What used to be called “Probation Terms & Conditions” is now referred to as “Community Control Sanctions”. 

What is Probation?  Probation is the branch of the Court that monitors a defendant’s whereabouts, activities, and essentially supervises their arrest record for new charges.   Each defendant is assigned a “Probation Officer” (“P.O.”).  It is a period of “Good Behavior” where a defendant must lead a law abiding life for a definite period of time.  Probation for a 1^st offender DUI can be up to 3 years and up to 5 years for Multiple Offenders.  If a person fails to meet all the terms and conditions of probation and/or gets charged with a new traffic offense or crime, the P.O. will file a “Statement of Violations” (“SOV”) with the judge requesting that the defendant be re-sentenced on the original case. 

Judges have a vast arsenal of legal terms and conditions for DUI Probation as set forth below. 

No new DUI or serious traffic arrests

Alcohol Assessment and/or Follow Up Alcohol Counseling

Random Urine Screens

Don’t operate a vehicle outside permissible times / days

No “Refusals” of blood, breath, or urine tests if arrested for DUI

No odor of alcohol while driving a vehicle

Pay fines and court costs on time

Attend and complete a 3 day Driver’s Intervention Program

Attend MADD’s Victim Impact Panel

Don’t miss probation officer meetings

Install Ignition Interlock (breath tester in the vehicle)

Continuous Alcohol Monitor (ankle bracelet) 

Don’t leave Ohio without P.O. approval

House Arrest (not available in all Ohio counties)

Work-Release (not available in all Ohio counties)

Community Service (20 hours – 100 hours is the average range)