Every year thousands of people are convicted of driving drunk and rightly end up in court dealing with a judge. While few serve prison time for their crime, many people face unwanted restrictions on their behavior. This could mean anything from the loss of a drivers license, the ability to only drive to and from work, the ability to only drive during the day, or the enforcement of randomized drug testing of the persons urine under a court order to keep off drugs.
This latter aspect of the courts is what I want to answer questions on today, as it’s a point of confusion for any one in the court system.
Does the government really have the right to test me for drugs?
Yes, the right of the state to test a person for drugs who has been convicted of a DUI has been proven countless times and has stood up in the courts. There are no cases of a civil liberties argument that have won out in this regard. The widespread drug testing culture we have today is mostly the result of laws Ronald Reagan put into place in the 1980′s in an effort to keep federal employees drug free. From here, the reach of these laws have only gained strength. Probation alcohol testing is here to stay.
Can they show up at my work?
Yes. Most likely your probation officer will not show up at your work unless you have been hard to reach or there is a huge suspicion of drug use. It is far more likely you will receive a call while at work to meet them for a test. At that point, you would be required to leave your place of employment and give a urine sample.
What if I dilute my sample and cheat?
Judges do not look kindly on individuals who get a DUI, get off on probation, break the law by drinking alcohol while on probation, and then under methods to fool the tests. It is recommended you absolutely avoid the use of any such products or techniques designed to mask or remove alcohol in your urine.
What happens if I don’t show up for a test?
If you fail to show up for a required drug test, a notice will be put out for you to appear in court. If you fail to show up in court, a notice will be put out for your arrest.
What kind of alcohol test do parole officers run?
In almost every case it will be a simple urine test that requires peeing into a cup. In most cases the person will not be directly in view of the officer will the sample is taken. In other words, you will give the sample in a private bathroom. The test is usually a simple dip stick test. If the results indicate alcohol, it’s sent in for a more reliable test known as GC/MS.
What happens if I fail my drug test?
This depends on the conditions of your parole. The most likely consequences include going to jail, losing your license, drug and alcohol counseling and treatment, and paying fines.
Your judge, lawyer, parole officer, and of course your friends and family all want to see people who are in this situation deal with it with the most effectivce outcome possible. While being subject to random drug testing might seem like a violation of your civil liberties, the best reaction is to cooperate with the judge and your parole officer, submit to the tests, and stay sober.