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Alternative sentencing is a beneficial option for any individual who has been convicted of a DUI offense in Orange County. Defense attorney Tom Wallin is always prepared to argue on your behalf for alternatives to the jail terms and license suspension/revocations that are common sentences for DUIs. Alternative sentences are designed to be less punishing and more helpful to the individual.

Alternatives to Jail, License Suspension/Revocation
For example, with many alternative sentences, a person who has been convicted of a DUI offense can still keep working at his or her job instead of being incarcerated. The alternative sentencing can also include treatment for alcoholism. In short, alternative sentencing gives a judge flexibility regarding the level of punishment for DUI and the level of treatment to be ordered, if any.

Many Types of Alternative Sentences
In California, alternative sentencing for DUI offenses includes:

• Alcohol and/or drug rehabilitation, including Alcoholics Anonymous: for drivers who have an addiction problem
• City jail (also sometimes known as “weekend jail”): the individual checks him/herself into jail for the weekends or a night
• Community service, such as freeway cleanup or helping at a charitable organization
• Electronic monitoring, with an ankle bracelet that monitors the location of its wearer; often requires that the wearer be home during certain hours.
• Ignition interlock device: a device that requires the driver to blow into a breath detector before his or her vehicle will start
• Participation in a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact program
• Sober living environment: a live-in home for people who are required to attend an alcohol/drug program
• Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM): measures alcohol content with a device worn on the offender’s ankle
• Work release: the offender works at a site/job chosen by the court or the Probation Department, and gets to go home at night
• Work furlough: the offender keeps his or her own job but must stay in a dormitory-style County facility to sleep at night

Credits Against the Jail Term
Good time/work time custody credits: an hour-for-hour exchange of the above alternative sentencing (e.g., community service or work furlough) against the hours that would have otherwise been spent in jail for the DUI.

All of the alternative sentencing options are preferable to straight jail time and having your driver’s license suspended or revoked. It’s part of an effective DUI defense attorney’s job to persuade a judge to use an alternative sentencing option for you.

Contact the Law Office of Thomas Wallin
If you’re interested in alternative sentencing for DUI offenses, contact DUI defense attorney Tom Wallin and set up a consultation appointment to learn about the alternatives that may be appropriate for you.