Country singer Randy Travis was recently convicted of drunk driving in Texas and received two years probation, a suspended jail sentence of 180 days, $2,000 fine, and a mandatory minimum 30-day stay at a alcohol treatment facility, reports The Seattle Times.

Travis was busted in a bizarre drunk driving incident when he crashed his car and then was found by police officers lying in the road naked and allegedly belligerent.

While Travis could have faced up to one year in jail, he could maintain his freedom so long as he abides by the terms of his probation.

We've written many times before about the penalties for driving drunk in Washington. This typically includes mandatory minimum jail sentences and even possible felony charges for driving drunk.

Yet many individuals are able to avoid jail time completely by agreeing to a plea deal and accepting a sentence of probation. But what does probation mean?

Generally, probation means that the judge will allow you to remain free so long as you abide by certain terms and conditions. For example, a judge may order that you check in to an alcohol rehabilitation center, refrain from drinking alcohol completely, or even be home by 9:00 p.m. Failure to abide by any of these terms may mean that you will face jail time.

Most drunk driving defendants view probation favorably as it means that they can avoid jail time. However, you should be aware of some of the strings that come attached with probation and in some cases it may not be appropriate for you.

If you have been charged with a DUI in the Seattle or King County areas and want to learn your options for a plea deal and advantages of a possible probation, you will want to talk an experienced DUI attorney. Contact Wolff Criminal Defense at 425-824-2000 to schedule your free consultation. Don't fight your DUI fight alone!