San Francisco DUI Lawyer California DMV Hearing Attorney

• Introduction
• What To Do First
• Elements of the Offense
• BAC Calculator
• Misdemeanor DUI Case
• Criminal Jury Trial
• Criminal Court Punishment
• Alternative Sentencing
  • Community Service
  • Freeway Cleanup
  • Electronic Monitoring
  • Sober Living Environments
  • Alcohol & Drug Programs
  • AA Meetings
  • MADD Victim Program
• Sentencing Enhancements
• Refusal Cases
• Felony DUI Case
• Medication Cases
• Drug Cases
• Federal DUI Case
• Out-of-State Drivers
• Drowsy Driving
• Post-Conviction Relief
• Ignition Interlock Devices
• Motorcycles, Boats, Planes
• California Highway Patrol
• California DUI Resources

Sober Living Environments

A driving under the influence (DUI), or driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction in California can bring punishment that includes jail, fines, and license suspensions, but there are sentencing alternatives available in some cases that may shorten or eliminate a jail sentence. One such option is a sober living environment. Days spent in a sober living facility are typically credited toward a jail sentence on a day-for-day basis. A California criminal lawyer skilled in DUI defense can evaluate each case to determine whether a sober living environment may be an option.

Sober living environments aren't for everyone, but can be an excellent option for individuals facing a multiple driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, or those who have alcohol dependency issues that have not responded to past treatment.

All residents of sober living homes are required to participate in daily activities, such as group therapy, counseling, or 12-step programs. Each resident is required to contribute to the functioning of the household by performing chores and other duties.

Committing to a sober living environment can also help convicted DUI / DWI drivers pay fines imposed by the court. Depending on the jurisdiction, a sober living facility stay can be credited toward fines or restitution at the rate of $30 per day or more. When the court sentences a defendant to both jail and a fine, days spent in sober living environments are credited to jail sentences first before being applied to outstanding fines.

Besides keeping convicted drunk drivers out of jail, sober living environments can help individuals with substance abuse address chemical dependency issues. Not every individual convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), or driving while intoxicated (DWI) has a problem with alcohol, but many do. For many convicted California DUI drivers, stays in sober living homes help to address a long-term alcohol or drug abuse problem.

For certain convicted drunk drivers, sober living environments are a viable way to avoid jail. An experienced California DUI defense attorney can provide more information about the viability of sober living environments for their clients.

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