If you have been arrested for a DUI in Orange County, and you have one or more prior convictions for DUI or alcohol related reckless driving within ten years, the Court penalties can include a significant amount of time in Orange County Jail. Jail time on a second offense varies from a minimum of 96 hours to a maximum of one year. However, it is typical for Prosecutors in Orange County Courts to want in excess of sixty days on a second offense.

Avoiding county jail on a second or third DUI in Orange County requires a lot of effort and negotiation. Alternatives to county jail can be considered, such as private residential treatment programs, private jail, or electronic home confinement. These options are not given freely or easily by a punitive court system. Prosecutors and Judges in Orange County Courts work in a conservative environment and want to be seen to be "tough" on DUI's. in order for the Court to consider alternatives to jail, good reasons have to be presented.

One option in some Orange County Courts is to request that your case be heard in "DUI Court". This involves being interviewed by a Probation Officer in order to be considered for a one year intensive course of counseling by Orange County Probation and Health Care Workers. The program is inflexible and very demanding but can be an effective option for people ready to commit to sobriety and counseling. The benefit of the program is that the Court would impose the mandatory minimum period of jail only, and would allow that this be done by way of electronic home confinement. On a second offense, this would be for 96 hours. On a third offense, this would be for 120 days.

If you are facing a prosecution for a DUI in Orange County, you need representation by an Orange County DUI Attorney who is able to guide you through the process of finding the best alternative to county jail time and who has the experience to convince the prosecutor or judge to treat you differently. Gold and Witham Attorneys at Law have many years of experience in Orange County Courts and have a succcessful track record of keeping their clients out of jail. Call them at 562 938 7771 for a free consultation.