WILL YOU GO TO JAIL OR NOT?

If a person is convicted of either count in a DUI case, 23152(a) or 23152(b), or any misdemeanor case, you have jail time as a possible sentence. The State of California has made laws requiring jail time on all offenses except a very few. DUI drivers can expect large fines, probation, DUI classes, insurance increases, etc. Many counties in California have DUI courts now, and many others don't - all crimes can be held in the same courtroom with drunk driving issues along with other traffic cases.

Some courts send all similar cases to individual courts - many systems exist. But in the end, if you get convicted - either by you saying that you'll settle or after you've been convicted by a jury - a judge will sentence you with some form of punishment.

Usually, judges issue punishments to help you rehabilitate too - jail can often be swaped for other forms of punishment including, residential treatment living, weekend work, picking up trash, MADD programs, AA meetings, and probation items.

Lately, several gadgets to keep you from starting your car have also come on the market. This is the "interlock" device where the car won't start if the driver blows in the gadget and there is alcohol on the breath - there is also a device that attaches to your leg and reports your blood alcohol level by radio to a center monitored and reported to the judge. These different types of machines will continue to be invented - the thing to keep in mind is that sometimes these can be used in exchange for actual jail time.

Whether you opt for one of these or not, remember that if you do go to jail, you can obtain less of a sentence by simply being a good inmate. Good time and work credits while you are in jail or prison can lower a sentence significantly - just ask Michelle Rodriguez or Paris Hilton! - as well as overcrowding which has been known to reduce a sentence.

In some areas of the state, private jails are available to the offender as an alternative to the "county jail." Some local police deparmtnets allow people to go to jail for a time for a fee - another option to county jail time.