Will my son EVER be able to get a job with jail time on his record?

With a drinking offense, even if your son was 17 at the time, he would have still been charged with as an adult. It sounds like your son has made two very poor decisions in a very short period of time. There are many people who can get jobs, despite having spent time in jail; however, it can be difficult, especially in the present economy. If your son came to me, looking for a job, it would not so much be the jail time that I would be looking at, but rather the fact that your son appears not to have learned from his first poor decision. I would not want to hire someone who does not appear to learn from his mistakes, and continues to act without regard for the consequences. Your son is young. I suggest that he take a serious look at himself.

Arrests and convictions will have effect on his employability, but only the employer can tell you how much effect. He will learn as he goes. However, while the general rule is Records are forever, some CA criminal convictions including DUI can be 'expunged' from criminal records by proper application and Petition to the convicting court if all terms of sentencing and at least one year of probation are completed, and if there are no new charges pending. If successful, the conviction would be withdrawn and the charges dismissed. Expungement does NOT clear, 'remove', erase or disappear the conviction. It does change the record to show an arrest with 'conviction reversed and charges dismissed by expungement'. The conviction is still a 'prior' or 'strike' for purposes of repeat offenses. Expungement will help in obtaining employment. When applying for a job in the private sector, in response to any question concerning your prior criminal record, you may legally deny that you were arrested or convicted of the offense.

Your son has a severe drinking problem get him the counseling he needs.

That is a personal choice, jail vs community service. This should not keep him from getting a job in the future.

Yes he may be able to get a job. I think it was improper for him to do jail rather than community service. It would be harder to get a job with a larceny on his record. No employer wants a thief.

I don't know anyone who would voluntarily accept jail when work program is offered. Yes, this may well affect his employment opportunities in the future.

You should immediately retain the services of an attorney to represent your son. The attorney can investigate the evidence and possibly negotiate a reduction in the charge(s) and take proper steps to avoid a conviction.

You son will have to live his life, and suffer the consequences of his actions. He is not learning his lessons. It is not your fault or responsibility.