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Substance Abuse Experts can help with DUI / DWI cases, drug cases, domestic violence cases and other criminal cases in California.

California criminal convictions carry serious repercussions, including large fines and even jail sentences. However, incarceration isn't unavoidable after a California DUI / DWI, drug, or domestic violence conviction - alternative sentencing such as electronic monitoring can reduce or even eliminate a jail sentence. The skilled defense lawyers at the Kavinoky Law Firm fight hard to obtain electronic monitoring or another sentencing alternative and keep their clients out of jail whenever possible.

Incarceration was once unavoidable after certain California criminal convictions, but the courts have undergone a fundamental shift and now recognize that sentencing alternatives such as electronic monitoring benefit both society and criminal defendants by providing treatment and rehabilitation and easing jail overcrowding.

Electronic monitoring is essentially on house arrest - the offender must remain at home except for court appearances, court-ordered education classes, Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and other essential travel. Time spent on house arrest is usually credited against a jail sentence on a day-for-day basis.

Electronic monitoring requires the individual to wear an ankle bracelet equipped with a transmitter that alerts authorities about unauthorized absences. The transmitter sends a signal to a monitor located inside the offender's home. Electronic monitoring devices are designed to be tamper-proof - any attempt to remove the bracelet will also be recorded.

In drunk driving or other alcohol-related crimes, authorities may also employ technology known as SCRAM, or Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor. SCRAM devices are designed to enforce probation terms that require the offender to remain alcohol-free. The device, which also monitors house arrest, is worn on an ankle or wrist bracelet and detects alcohol excretion from the skin.

Electronic monitoring and other forms of alternative sentencing have become fairly common in DUI / DWI or drug possession, under the influence, and sales cases, but can also be ordered after convictions for offenses such as domestic violence. When electronic monitoring is ordered in drunk driving, controlled substance or DV cases, the offender must follow the rules of house arrest and adhere to all other conditions of probation in order to avoid a jail sentence.

Many California criminal defendants have problems with alcohol and/or drugs and can receive treatment with electronic monitoring or another sentencing alternative that is rarely available in county jails. A knowledgeable Substance Abuse Expert is often an essential part of the criminal defense team in cases such as these. A skilled expert may be able to help persuade the court that electronic monitoring or another type of sentence alternative is a beneficial outcome in a California criminal case.

An experienced Substance Abuse Expert can perform a thorough evaluation of the defendant to determine whether a problem with alcohol or drugs exists or whether the offender was merely the victim of bad luck or poor judgment. Either way, electronic monitoring or another form of alternative sentencing, such as residential treatment, may be an option.

The skilled DUI / DWI defense attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm have the experience and knowledge needed to fight for electronic monitoring or another form of alternative sentencing, and minimize or even eliminate a jail sentence in a California criminal case.