DUI Work Release

When you think of the penalties for driving under the influence, you may think of spending time in jail. However, a number of alternatives may be used in lieu of jail time: probation, house arrest, electronic monitoring, and DUI work release.

DUI work release is a program that allows a drunk-driving offender to work at an assigned jobsite where he or she can be monitored until the work day is over. The offender is then allowed to return home. The hours, location, and type of work are determined by the court and overseen by the probation department. Common DUI work release assignments include picking up trash, cleaning parks, and other jobs that involve physical labor.

DUI work furlough is similar to work release. The main difference between the two programs is that in work furlough, the offender may work at his or her existing job during the day; however, he or she must stay in jail or another state-monitored facility at night. The guidelines associated with this program are strict – violation will result in a revocation of the work furlough and additional punishments.

Both DUI work release and work furlough allow offenders to earn money while doing their time. They also serve as a means of integrating offenders back into society.

Some states use a combination of DUI work release and work furlough. For example, the offender may stay at a minimum-security facility at night and work at his or her existing job during the day. In order to cover the cost of his or her stay at the facility, the offender may be charged for room and board.

Eligibility for DUI work release or furlough programs depends on your state’s laws. Typically, only first-time offenders are allowed to participate in these programs. Habitual offenders and felony offenders may not be entitled to work release.

Have you recently been charged with drunk driving? Contact an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible. A skilled attorney may be able to have your charged minimized or dropped altogether. Your attorney can also discuss whether work release is an option in your case.