Washington State DUI Alternatives

Have you been convicted of DUI in Washington and are now facing jail time? Don’t give up hope. With the right attorney, you may be eligible for Washington State DUI alternatives.

There are several options that you may want to explore in lieu of imprisonment. Depending on your case, you may be able to exchange jail tile for electronic monitoring, work release, rehabilitation, or other less severe penalties.

Known as house arrest, electronic monitoring requires you to wear an electronic monitor during your sentence period so that your whereabouts are noted at all times. Although your activities will be limited, you will be permitted to go to work or school and other approved activities as long as you return home at a specified time.

A work release program is yet another option to consider. Instead of spending your time in jail, this program allows you to work at an assigned site during the day and return home in the evening. If you have a current job, you may be eligible for work furlough. This program lets you maintain your present job during the day, but requires that you return to a dormitory-style facility at night.

You may also be eligible for weekend jail, or city jail. As the name suggests, this option allows you to serve your jail time on weekends and releases you during the weekdays.

If you have a serious alcohol or drug addiction, the court may grant a request for alcohol or drug rehabilitation. Rather than serve jail time, this program provides counseling for your addiction and helps prevent future DUI occurrences.

Finally, you may be eligible for a sober living, or 12-step program if you have been convicted of DUI in the past or have been unsuccessful with previous rehabilitation programs. In this case, you will live in a house and participate in daily group meetings that are designed to help you overcome your addiction.

Before you accept the terms of your DUI sentence, it is important to speak with an experienced DUI attorney. Linda M. Callahan is just that. With over a decade of legal experience, Ms. Callahan is well-versed in Washington State DUI alternatives and may be able to eliminate imprisonment from your DUI sentence. Contact Callahan Law today for a free consultation on your case.