Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation in Pennsylvania DUI Cases

A Pennsylvania DUI conviction can bring you a lengthy jail sentence, but you're unlikely to find help for alcohol or drug problems there. However, substance abuse is more widespread than ever among criminal defendants, so the courts have adopted a more treatment-oriented approach to criminal offenses involving alcohol and drugs. A caring Pennsylvania DUI lawyer from Levow & Associates will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine whether treatment may be a viable sentencing alternative to jail in your case.

Judges and district attorneys have begun to recognize that sending Pennsylvania DUI drivers to jail without addressing any underlying substance-abuse issues doesn't serve the interests of justice or society. Because of this, the courts have begun to shift their focus to rehabilitation, and a reputable drug and alcohol rehabilitation program may be a viable alternative sentencing option in your Pennsylvania DUI case.

Not everyone charged with Pennsylvania DUI has a problem with alcohol or drugs, but some do. For some drivers charged with Pennsylvania DUI, their arrest provides a catalyst to make changes in their lives and address substance-abuse problems.

Rehabilitation and treatment programs used after a Pennsylvania DUI conviction vary in duration and structure, but the average length is 30 days. There are many different types of programs - inpatient and outpatient, coed and gender-specific. If there is a shortage of treatment slots in your area of Pennsylvania, rehabilitation facilities may have a waiting list.

Rehabilitation after a Pennsylvania DUI conviction may involve medical treatment, cognitive behavior therapy, attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, group therapy, or a combination of all of these treatments.

If you're facing a Pennsylvania DUI charge, rehabilitation may be ordered by the court or may be a sentencing alternative that allows you to avoid harsher punishment. An experienced Pennsylvania DUI attorney from Levow & Associates is ready to analyze your driving under the influence case and determine whether rehabilitation or another form of alternate sentencing is a viable option.