In an effort to make Ohio roadways safer for everybody, state lawmakers and officials consider DUIs to be serious offenses. If you have been pulled over and arrested for operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be facing a punishment that will greatly interrupt your life and affect you for years to come. Even a first DUI offense can be punishable by up to six months in jail and probation for five years.
Fortunately, Ohio law does allow alternatives to jail for those who are found guilty of DUI. These alternatives are usually much more accessible to those who don’t have previous DUIs on their record, but they are granted on a case by case basis and can be an option even if you have been found guilty of another DUI in the past.
An experienced Cincinnati DUI lawyer can help you avoid jail time if you have been arrested for a DUI. In addition to having many of our clients’ charges reduced, the defense lawyers at Luftman, Heck & Associates can help you through every part of your DUI process, and in many cases, our clients have their charges dropped completely. To speak with a lawyer, call us today at (513) 338-1890 to set up a free consultation.
The Driver Intervention Program Is Common For First DUI Offenses
Many people who are arrested for DUI will have the option to enroll in a Driver Intervention Program (DIP) instead of going to jail. This option can be offered to you at the discretion of the judge, and it’s common for first time DUI offenders. DIP courses are three days in length, and they cover issues including:
- The physical and psychological effects of drugs and alcohol on a person
- Symptoms of substance abuse
- How alcohol and other substances can make driving much more difficult
- Levels of different fines and incarceration time for repeat DUI offenses
If a DIP course is an option for you to stay out of jail, you will be responsible for your attendance and satisfactory completion of the program wherever it is being held. You will have to pay for the course as well as cover your travel expenses, but you may be able to qualify for state financial assistance if you currently receive other forms of public financial help.
Monitored House Arrest Can Keep You Out Of Jail
The court in your DUI case may allow for you to serve time under house arrest instead of in jail, or it can be offered after a small amount of jail time is served. House arrest can be up to several months long, and your terms of confinement can be discussed with the court in order to allow for you to attend work, school, and other necessary activities. Your house arrest for a DUI may include:
- Electronic monitoring, which is to be set up at your expense
- Random phone calls to make sure that you’re where you are supposed to be
- Alcohol tests either conducted during a home check or through your electronic monitoring system
- A mandatory jail term if you fail any part of your house arrest program
A Lawyer Can Help You Stay Out Of Jail After A DUI
We understand that each DUI case affects the defendant in a unique way, and you may be offered one or several alternatives to jail time if your DUI charges are not dismissed. A skilled and understanding lawyer can help you secure an alternative to jail time that allows for you to move on with your life. In addition to a DIP course or mandated house arrest, the judge in your case may be willing to reduce or remove any jail requirement if you follow through with an order to do something, such as:
- Immobilize any vehicle that you own for a set amount of time
- Install an ignition interlock device at your expense
- Display special DUI offender plates
- Complete a specific drug or alcohol treatment program outside of what is offered in a DIP course
Do not hesitate to call your lawyer if you have been arrested for a DUI. The defense lawyers at Luftman, Heck & Associates have years of experience defending clients from DUI charges, and we can help you stay out of jail. Contact our office today at (513) 338-1890 to set up a free case assessment.
