While the offense may include aggravating factors (e.g the victim suffered injury or death), or mitigating factors (e.g. the victim ran a stop sign), each state has its own sentencing guidelines. Also taken into consideration are prior offenses, convictions, etc.

However, the sentencing in the cited case may have been reached by plea bargaining. While rare in DUI/DWI cases, it can occur. While I'm not satisfied with the professionalism of the link provided, it does give some good information about the plea-barganing process.

To keep things in perspective, 1000 hours of community service equals 25 40-hour weeks. That's a half year of working full time with no pay. For someone who makes $20-$30 an hour at his or her job, that's a heavy penalty. If the offender already works full time, consider how long it would take to fulfill 1000 hours in his or her free time. Compare that to the state's cost to house that person for X number of years. Just some things to think about.

Respectfully,
Shin
Source(s):
state-by-state sentencing guidelines for DUI/DWI offenses
http://law.jrank.org/pages/11806/Drunk-Driving.html

plea bargaining in DUI/DWI cases
http://www.drunkdrivinglaws.org/duipleabargaining.html


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