DUI Hotel: Effective Alternative Punishment, or Absolute Joke?

Illinois’ DUI laws aren’t perfect, especially with regard to drugged driving. But one thing this fine state does not do is allow those sentenced to jail to serve time in a hotel. Yes, a hotel.

Allegheny County, Pa., has a “DUI hotel” program that does exactly that. Lawmakers in that state long ago decided that jail time should be mandatory for certain types of DUI offenses. It is essentially an alternative punishment program for those who are first-time DUI offenders, but are not otherwise eligible for programs offered to those with spotless records.

]]>
These first-timers, if they can afford the program, can pay to serve their mandatory sentence in a hotel, such as the Holiday Inn Express cited by the Associated Press, instead of the county clink. While there, they’ll enjoy such luxurious accommodations as alcohol education classes and substance abuse evaluations. The program lasts three full days and nights.

Staycation! Plus, when they’re interviewing for that pizza delivery gig, they can always try the classic line, “I may not have a clean driving or criminal record, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.”

Obviously, such a program has its pros and cons. It reduces the burden on the jail system, incorporates tactics meant to reduce recidivism, and ensures that the offenders are educated rather than punished.

On the other hand, what is the deterrent effect of being stuck in a Holiday Inn Express for three nights? Lost rewards points from the Hilton?

So far, the “DUI hotel” program has only been tried in one county in Pennsylvania. A second county is considering it. Taking into account Illinois’ budget crisis, do you think a DUI hotel would be a good idea for first-time drunken drivers in this state? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Related Resources:

• Discuss Punishments With a DUI Defense Attorney (FindLaw)
• ‘DUI Hotel’ or Jail: Which Would You Pick? (FindLaw’s Blotter Blog)
• Are SCRAM Bracelets Ready for Everyday Use as a DUI Deterrent? (FindLaw’s Chicago DUI Blog)
• Two New DUI / Alcohol Laws Signed by Gov. Pat Quinn (FindLaw’s Chicago DUI Blog)