Jail Alternatives for a DUI in Idaho: Get Guidance and Support
Can I go to rehab instead of jail for DUI in Idaho? This is the question that many probation officers and judges are asked when clients face a mandatory jail sentence following a conviction. While you may not necessarily want to pursue help, it could be the preferred option.
The good news is that many judges are inclined to offer rehab instead of jail time. Often, you will have to enroll in a 24-hour rehab program for a period of thirty to ninety days. If you fail to complete your rehab opportunity, you may face the full jail sentence.
Icarus in Idaho can help you navigate the world of rehab if you’re trying to mitigate your jail sentence. Keep reading to learn more about court-ordered treatment in lieu of jail time.
Get Effective Detox and Rehab Options at Icarus
Will You Serve Jail Time or Can You Enroll in a Rehab Program?
Unfortunately, driving drunk or otherwise impaired comes with the possibility of a jail sentence. You may be there for ten days or several years, depending on the unique circumstances of your traffic stop. That being said, a good attorney may be able to help you pursue an alternative sentence.
What should you know about a mandatory jail sentence for your DUI conviction?
Understanding the judgment that could be against you and the opportunities to get around it is important, so review the contract carefully before enrolling in drug court.
Enrolling in a Treatment Program After Driving Drunk
The good news about your sentencing is that many people will have the opportunity to pursue some form of court-ordered treatment instead of serving their jail time. Judges prefer to send people to a high-quality treatment program because it provides the help someone needs while they serve time.
Studies have shown that people who undergo treatment have lower recidivism rates.
If a judge deems that you can attend a rehab program after driving under the influence, they might stipulate which program you have to complete. They might also dictate how long you have to stay there to mitigate jail time. For example, you may spend thirty or ninety days in a 24-hour treatment facility.
During this time, probation officers may check in on you to ensure that you’re participating in care and are making progress with a drug and alcohol addiction.
What Happens if You Fail to Complete Court-Ordered Treatment?
Keep in mind that being able to get around your full jail sentence is a privilege. This means that you should take the opportunity seriously and get all of the support you can for your substance use issue that led to this moment. You can finally get the support needed to start on a path to recovery.
If you fail to complete your rehabilitation, you demonstrate to the judge that you aren’t taking your DUI conviction seriously. As a result, your probation officer may report this back, and you could face more jail time. Even first-time offenders should think long and hard before dropping out of a court-ordered treatment program.
Are Treatment Centers Just for First-Time Offenders?
Addiction treatment isn’t just for someone who has their first DUI on their record. While it can be a huge benefit to someone who has never had a prior offense because it means they get help faster, judges may be even more inclined if it’s a second or third offense.
When you go to court for your sentence, you can speak with the judge and let them know that you are struggling with a substance use disorder and possible addiction. They will often appreciate the honesty and allow you to enroll in addiction treatment instead.
This could set you up for a more successful future where the judge doesn’t have to see you back for a repeat offense. If this is you, take the opportunity seriously and enroll in proven treatment centers.
Rehab vs Jail Sentence: How Does Addiction Treatment Impact Your Record?
Beyond getting help for an addiction, there are several reasons why this is your best chance to avoid a jail sentence. What are the benefits of a rehab program when you’ve been arrested for DUI?
No Insurance Premium Hikes for Persons with Addiction Treatment
Oftentimes, a judge will clear your record of the DUI conviction if you respond favorably to the court-ordered treatment. Because it comes off your record once you complete the required program, this also means that your insurance company will have no record to justify raising your premium rates.
No Criminal Record to Interfere with Career Opportunities
Once you have a criminal record with a DUI, you might find that you have a more difficult time getting a job or growing in your career. Background checks are often issued for security. Services that pull these reports won’t see that you were arrested if it’s been erased from your record via a rehab program.
Considering how long these convictions could stay on your record, this is a huge advantage to seeking rehabilitation for your DUI.
Other Alternative Sentences: Community Service and Monitoring
Once you graduate from accredited treatment centers, you might still have other requirements. While it may do away with a jail sentence, you could still have community service and monitoring on the horizon. Neither of these shows up on your record, but it can be time-consuming.
In the first days without treatment, you may need to stay in daily contact with probation officers to let them know what you are doing, where you are, and how you are coping. You may also have to wear an ankle bracelet so that your actions can be tracked by your probation officer at all times.
In addition to these requirements, it may cost you financially in the form of hefty fines for your offense.
All of these are still preferable to receiving jail time, but should be anticipated when you head to court.
Up To 100% of Rehab Costs Covered By Insurance
Turning to Icarus Idaho for Court-Ordered Rehab
In some circumstances, you’ll be able to choose where you want to attend rehab instead of pursuing incarceration. Icarus in Idaho offers an accredited treatment program for anyone who needs help for drug and alcohol addiction. We create comprehensive and individualized treatment plans for all of our clients.
When you’re ready for more help, we can help you with several actions to facilitate your transition from court to rehab. Our enrollment team can answer your questions about how the process works and can verify your insurance benefits to see if it’s a feasible solution for you.
Reach out to us today to reserve a spot in our treatment centers and get the help you need to put a stop to DUI charges!
