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Alcohol Treatment for California DUI Cases

Alternative DUI Sentencing Involving Treatment

One of the most significant times that I see this come up as it relates to criminal defense is when somebody gets in a bad accident, for example, hurts another person and is looking for a felony DUI. A great bodily injury allegation and a host of other criminal charges, and they're facing not only potential jail time but even potential prison time.  

So, sometimes we can come up with an alternate to that custody time, which involves treatment for the person.

The reasoning and justification for that with the prosecutors are that if the person is thrown in jail or even prison, they will be out of society for some time.  They will be punished, and it will deter them from committing future crimes.

By the same token, if the person is taken out of society for some time to get treatment, that will impact the person because they won't be able to be with their friends and family.

They also won't be able to work and do all of the usual stuff that they do, but they will also be getting treated for the root problem, which is alcohol or drug addiction or both.

Some people even have mental issues thrown in there. We'll try to get them in a dual-diagnosis program where they're being treated for both substance abuse problems, whether it be alcohol or anything else, and any mental issues they might have.

Keeping a California DUI Offender Out of Jail

The good thing about this alternative sentence is that it will keep the people out of jail or prison if they can get it. It also satisfies the prosecutors a lot of time because they sometimes realize if somebody's in custody for 180 days up to a year on a live-in alcohol program or dual-diagnosis program, they'll end up being in charge longer than they would be if they got to jail or prison time.

Alcohol Treatment for California DUI Cases

So, sometimes, that's tempting to the prosecutors under the right circumstances.

As far as treatment goes for alcohol-related offenses, there are all sorts of different programs available.  We know somebody who finds treatment programs for people under the right circumstances, court-approved circumstances.

Often, we can even get the court to pay for the program if the person cannot afford them.  So, what we'll do is try to get them into an outpatient treatment program so they can continue to work to provide for their family and get treatment for any alcohol-related offense they may have.

It's a lot more challenging to get the out-patient programs when you have a scenario where the person is looking at a lengthy jail or prison sentence because the prosecutors don't view them as that much punishment. It's not as effective as an in-patient program.

Negotiation with Prosecutor

But if somebody is looking at some tough custody time and wants to avoid it, an in-patient program is usually the way to go. Often, if it's argued right and if you can show that the person has a true addiction to alcohol or any other drug-related to a DUI or any other offense, DUI or any other offense, then you have a pretty good argument.

Of course, the goal is to convince the prosecutor that instead of just throwing them in jail, they'll probably do a small fraction of the time you give them.

Why not get them some actual treatment so we can get to the root of their problem.  An alcohol program can change somebody's life for the better, and prosecutors really should be looking at that as well, in addition to trying to punish the person for a DUI or other alcohol-related offense.

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Hedding Law Firm is committed to answering your questions about DUI law issues in California and throughout the United States.

I'll privately discuss your case with you at your convenience. All consultations are free, discreet, and confidential. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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