San Diego DUI Lawyers Blog
If you are facing a DUI conviction in San Diego County, you may be eligible for the County Parole and Alternative Custody Program (CPAC). CPAC can allow you to serve your sentence outside of jail, often at home under electronic monitoring.
As experienced San Diego DUI defense attorneys, we help clients explore every possible alternative to incarceration—including CPAC. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is CPAC?
Security electronic tag on a tagged criminal
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department administers CPAC, which stands for the County Parole and Alternative Custody Program. CPAC is designed to:
- Relieve jail overcrowding
- Reduce costs to the county
- Help eligible individuals serve sentences in the community instead of behind bars
CPAC uses electronic ankle monitoring (house arrest) and strict supervision to ensure participants comply with their court-ordered sentence while remaining employed and supporting their families.
CPAC Eligibility for DUI Offenders
CPAC is available to low-risk offenders, including those convicted of misdemeanor DUI and in some cases non-violent felony DUI offenses.
General eligibility factors include:
- Non-violent offense (DUI without injury or great bodily injury enhancements)
- No outstanding warrants, detainers, or immigration holds
- Must have a stable residence in San Diego County
- Must be medically and mentally able to participate
- Must pass a risk assessment and interview by CPAC staff
Important: CPAC is not automatically granted—your defense attorney must request it as part of your sentencing strategy, and the court and the Sheriff’s Department must both approve it.
How CPAC Works
If accepted into CPAC, you will:
- Be released from jail into home detention
- Wear an electronic ankle monitor (GPS) at all times
- Follow strict curfews and travel restrictions
- Submit to random alcohol and drug testing
- Continue to work or attend school if permitted
Violating any CPAC rules can result in immediate removal from the program and return to jail to serve the remainder of your sentence.
Benefits of CPAC in DUI Cases
For individuals facing jail time for DUI, CPAC offers several important advantages:
- Avoid serving time in jail
- Continue working and earning income
- Maintain family responsibilities
- Complete DUI programs and treatment while on supervision
- Reduce disruption to your personal and professional life
How a DUI Defense Attorney Can Help
Successfully getting into CPAC often depends on early planning and legal advocacy. A skilled San Diego DUI attorney can:
- Request CPAC as part of a negotiated plea or sentencing agreement
- Gather supporting documentation to show your eligibility
- Coordinate with the court and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department CPAC unit
- Help you stay compliant once accepted into the program
With the right representation, CPAC can be a life-changing alternative to traditional jail time.
Get Legal Help With CPAC and DUI Defense
If you are facing DUI charges in San Diego County and want to explore CPAC as an alternative to jail, the Law Offices of Susan L. Hartman can help. We know how to navigate the system, advocate for your eligibility, and protect your future.
📞 Call us today at 619.260.1122
📩 Contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
We’ll fight to keep you out of jail—and get you back on track.