Alternative Sentencing: Community Service - California DUI Law and Legal Information

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California Driving Under the Influence (DUI), or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) conviction can bring serious consequences, including fines and jail time, but some convicted drunk drivers may be eligible for alternative sentencing. One sentence alternative that is generally available in California is community service. An experienced California DUI defense attorney has specialized knowledge of the complexities of a DUI case and can advise whether community service may be an option in each individual case.

Community service involves working without pay for a government or nonprofit organization. Performing community service benefits both DUI offenders and the community. The defendant is allowed to continue living at home while contributing to a good cause. The public benefits because it eases some of the burden on overcrowded jails and provides much needed services.

There are many possibilities in performing community service. Caliofornia drivers convicted for a DUI in high-demand professions - plumbers, electricians, carpenters, dentists, doctors, etc. - can get creative with community service by donating their skills to social service agencies. Others can find service opportunities at organizations such as the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the YMCA, local animal shelters, or other charitable organizations that need volunteers.

Convicted DUI drivers receive good time/work time custody credits for every hour spent contributing to a community service program. These hours will be applied to the amount of time that would have otherwise been spent in jail.

Community service and other forms of alternative sentencing can be a viable option for DUI drivers who want to avoid jail. An attorney experienced in defending drunk driving cases will assess each case to determine whether community service can be substituted for jail.