Jessica Simpson's Father Pleads Not Guilty To DUI

TMZ broke the story ... Papa Joe was busted at a DUI checkpoint in Sherman Oaks, CA ... and blew .12 on the breathalyzer.

The L.A. City Attorney subsequently charged Joe with two misdemeanor counts of DUI -- and last month, a judge ordered him not to drink any booze while he remained out on bail.

If convicted on both counts, Joe could face up to a year in jail -- but as a first-time offender, he probably won't end up behind bars. He'll most likely end up with a fine and probation.