Community Service

Although many DUI defendants face the prospect of fines and jail time, some convicted drunk-drivers are eligible for alternative sentencing. One sentence alternative that is generally available is community service.

Community service requires an individual to work without pay for a civic or nonprofit organization. Performing community service has many benefits to taxpayers, by reducing the burden on overcrowded jails, and to DUI offenders themselves. The defendant is allowed to continue living at home while contributing to a good cause.

There are many creative possibilities in performing community service. DUI drivers in particular professions plumbers, electricians, carpenters, dentists, doctors, etc. can donate their skills to social service agencies. Other individuals can find service opportunities at organizations such as the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, YMCA, local animal shelters, or other charitable organizations that need volunteers.

Community service allows the DUI offender to get good time/work time custody credits for every hour spent contributing to a community service program. These hours will be applied to the amount of time that would have otherwise been spent in jail.

Alternative sentencing such as community service can be a viable option for DUI / DWI drivers who wish to avoid jail. An attorney experienced in defending drunk-driving cases will evaluate each case to determine whether alternative sentencing is an option instead of serving time in jail.