has anyone ever been charged with a DUI and didn't serve time?

Question

Has anyone gotten a plea deal or escaped it?

Answer 1

Sure. For example, jail time is not mandatory for a first offense DUI in California when the defendant gets probation, and jail time is seldom imposed. With priors is a different story.

Answer 2

It depends on what State you live in as laws vary. Most states do not have mandatory jail time for a first offense, leaving it up to the Judge, which will sentence you to a few years; however, suspend that pending successfully completing rehab or alcohol counseling program.

As long as you successfully complete the rehab/alcohol program mandated, pay the fines and meet any other requirements mandated by the Court, then be on probation for the remainder of the sentence, never actually having to serve time in jail.

Not familiar with California law, but in the State I reside in, it is a mandatory 10 day jail sentence for a 2nd OWI (DUI) offense.

Most States do have mandatory driver's license suspension for a period of time.

Answer 3

Jon answered your question perfectly.
I too am in California, and a friend of mine got 3 in 10 months. No Jail, got a suspended sentence, $2000 fine, no community service. He did a 90 Day Treatment Program though before sentencing, cost $6600. Plus about $7500 to his Lawyer. Jail was suspended because he went to Treatment. When I went to visit him at the Treatment Center (County Run), it was kinda like a jail. Gang members and the like. Nothing bad happened though.

To Catnip. Good point, however in California, there is no longer Vehicular Manslaughter, it is Murder 2.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, most drunk drivers do not serve time unless or until they murder or seriously injure an innocent person while driving drunk. Even then, what happens to the heartless drunk is a walk in the park compared to what happens to the victims.