Jail Sentence Alternatives For Drunk Driving
Posted: Thursday, October 01, 2009
by Maria Palma
Freelance Writer
Because jails have become overcrowded, some departments of
law enforcement have allowed jail sentence alternatives for drunk
driving. Alternative sentencing also allows convicted DUI / DWI
drivers to keep their
jobs and get help for their alcohol and/or drug problems - options not
often available in county jail.
Jail sentence alternatives vary from state to state, but here is an overview of just some of the options available:
"City Jail" or "Weekend Jail" - Instead of staying
in jail for consecutive weeks or months, this is something that is
available for people with jobs during the week. With this option, DUI
offenders check themselves into jail for the whole weekend.
House Arrest - this is an option in which the offender is
permitted to stay home, but an electronic monitoring device has to be
worn at all times.
Work
Release - A partial confinement program in which DUI offenders have to
work at a job site that has been given to them. In this type of
program offenders are allowed to go home at night to sleep.
Work Furlough - A situation in which offenders can go to
work at their regular job during the day, but after work they have to
go back to the "dorm" to sleep.
Alcohol or drug rehabiliation - Many DUI offenders - especially repeat offenders - have serious issues with alcohol abuse.
Going through a rehabilitation program instead of going to jail could
be better in the long run.
Sober Living Home - A living situation in which an
offender is assigned to live with other offenders in a home. All
residents of the home work together to talk about their issues with
alcoholism or drug addiction. In most cases, people in a sober living
home have to take 12-step classes or have one-and-one time with a rehab
counselor.
It's highly recommended to hire a DUI
attorney who has the expertise in negotiating jail alternatives for DUI
offenders. A DUI attorney can help guide you in choosing the best
option that will work for your situation.
About the Author:
Maria Palma is a freelance writer helping people with information about DUIs in Orange County.
Make sure to hire a professional and experienced Orange County DUI attorney to help you with your case.