Being suspected of drunk driving can be a very scary experience. In addition to potential jail time and heavy fines, those convicted in Pennsylvania on DUI charges may have their driver’s license suspended or revoked, which can prevent them from getting to work.

In some Pennsylvania counties, however, a new alternative to the traditionally mandated 72-hour jail sentence is emerging. The program, which has become known as the “DUI Hotel,” is for first-time offenders who don’t qualify for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program designed for those with minimal criminal records.

Instead of spending three days behind bars those who are sentenced to this program spend those 72 hours in a hotel. During this time, individuals attend education and treatment sessions, which are designed to prevent repeat offenses.

This program was first initiated in 2010 by one Pennsylvania county, and nearly 850 people have gone through their program over the last two years. Now, additional counties are considering the possibility of implementing this alternative.

One of the down sides of this program is that it is open for those who can afford it, so those who are economically disadvantaged and face the specter of a drunk driving conviction may have to spend time in jail. Some observers have compared this arrangement to a debtor’s prison.

Of course, it’s important to craft an aggressive defense against DUI charges because of the serious penalties associated with conviction, since any sentence limits a person’s freedoms. Yet it’s also important to remember that receiving a fair sentence is vital. In some cases, a sentence focused on rehabilitation is best route. Now, in some situations, pursuing this new Pennsylvania program may be worth some consideration for those who need help.

Source: Fox News, “‘DUI Hotel’ offers offenders 2nd choice in Pennsylvania,” Oct. 1, 2012

• Our firm has experience handling a variety of DUI cases. To learn more about your options when you are suspected of drunk driving, please see our Philadelphia DUI page.