5. Will I go to jail?
In Mendocino County, in a "standard" first DUI case under 0.15% blood alcohol where there are no other charges or allegations, and no viable legal defenses or other compelling facts, most defendants can anticipate 48 hours of jail, and three to five years of informal probation. Many under-21 cases may resolve with better results (for example an infraction dismissed following diversion-type efforts, or a "wet reckless") and likewise many resolve with higher penalties.
If a jail sentence is ordered, then most first and second DUI offenders in Mendocino County can avoid serving actual jail time through alternatives such as volunteer work release or home confinement.
To examine these various jail alternatives where there are no viable defenses or aggravating factors in a case, click on Ten Tips For Easing The Consequences of a DUI on this site and go to "Jail Alternatives." Consult with a Ukiah DUI lawyer about your specific case.