Alcohol Treatment for California DUI Cases
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 custody time that 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 removed from 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
One of the significant benefits of this alternative sentence is the relief it brings from the looming prospect of jail or prison time. This realization often satisfies the prosecutors, as they understand that a person in custody for 180 days up to a year on a live-in alcohol program or dual-diagnosis program will be under supervision longer than if they were serving a jail or prison sentence.
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 it. 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 much more challenging to get out-patient programs when the person is facing a lengthy jail or prison sentence because the prosecutors don't view them as that much punishment. They're less effective than 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.
The goal is to convince the prosecutor that instead of a lengthy jail sentence, the person will likely only serve a fraction of the time if they receive treatment. This argument, when presented effectively, can lead to a more optimistic outcome for the individual.
Why not provide them with the opportunity for a positive life change through treatment? An alcohol program can truly transform someone's life for the better, and prosecutors should consider this potential for personal growth alongside the need for punishment in DUI or other alcohol-related offenses.