DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE: This is the most effective measure for avoiding jail, obviously. DUI is San Diego's most frequently committed violent crime,
and this section would not be complete without recognizing that the surest way to avoid a DUI arrest is to simply not drink and drive. With this in mind, the following tips are provided for the various stages of avoiding and managing a potential DUI arrest and incarceration.
AVOIDING A JAIL TERM FOR DUI IN CALIFORNIA
In the event that you lack representation by a qualified San Diego DUI attorney, or are underpresented, and a conviction or plea bargain to a lesser charge is inevitable, the following alternatives may be available to you depending on the circumstances affecting your particular DUI case:
Even in the case of a conviction, it is possible for
a
skilled DUI defense attorney to obtain alternatives to
jail for their clients. Alternatives to jail include:
or
Each of these options should be fully explored, and
a decision reached based upon the individual facts in
each case.
Electronic Monitoring: This is also known
as House
Arrest , and involves wearing an ankle bracelet that
electronically monitors the whereabouts of the wearer.
Usually, arrangements can be made for the wearer to go
to work or school, so long as they are home by an
appointed time. Currently, electronic monitoring is not available as an alternative to custody for San Diego DUI cases.
Work Release: This involves working at a site
determined by the San Diego Probation Department. The participant
works there during the day, and gets to go home at
night to sleep.
Work Furlough: This option allows the participant to
keep their own job; however, they return to a
dormitory-style facility to sleep at night. They are
released to go to work during the day.
Alcohol or Drug Rehabilitation: Sometimes a DUI or
drug-related arrest is merely the unfortunate symptom
of an underlying addiction issue. While this is
certainly not the case in every instance, some people
who are arrested for these types of cases can best
address
alcohol or drug rehab as an alternative to jail. A
skilled
San Diego DUI attorney will know how to obtain this type of
relief for their clients, and prevail upon a judge to
allow this as an alternative to custody and fines.
Sober Living: : For San Diego DUI clients who are multiple offenders, or have a drug or alcohol problem that has not responded to past attempts at treatment, sober living is sometimes the best alternative. These are houses, both for men and women, where all of the residents are sober. The structure of each house will vary, but residents are usually required to attend a 12-Step meeting daily, participate in house groups and functions, and perform a household chore. In addition to allowing the participant to avoid a lengthy jail stay, sober living environments have helped many improve the quality of their lives.
Most importantly,
retain an experienced San Diego DUI - Drunk Driving Defense attorney to represent you. Only an experienced DUI defense lawyer will be able to spot your favorable issues and present them to a prosecutor, judge, and / or jury.
G. Cole Casey heads the top San Diego drunk driving defense law firm. As a well known San Diego DUI lawyer, his proven track record and are unmatched and unprecedented by any other DUI attorney in the region.
Call us twenty four hours a day at (619) 237-0384 or now to discuss a legitimate and effective defense strategy for your driving under the influence case.