There are a number of penalties that you can expect to face if you are ever convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). For starters, you could be fined hundreds or thousands of dollars and your driving privileges will almost certainly be revoked. What’s more, depending on the laws in your area, your sentence may even include jail time, probation, and/or drunk driving alcohol courses.
To deter future DUIs, many states now require first-time offenders to undergo counseling and/or treatment for substance abuse. Typically, these programs must be approved by the court prior to enrollment—and keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of attending them (usually $150 or more). In most cases, your driving privileges can also not be restored until you submit proof that you have completed the required program.
Although each course is different, most alcohol treatment programs cover topics such as the effects of alcohol, the dangers of driving under the influence, and a brief overview of your state’s DUI laws. A number of these programs also require participants to undergo a psychological evaluation prior to attending. Since these evaluations are designed to identify signs of substance abuse, you may be required to take additional courses if your results indicate further treatment is needed.
Finally, the court may also order you to participate in a victim’s awareness group as part of your DUI sentence. Sponsored by non-profit groups like MADD (Mothers against Drunk Driving), these panels typically involve speakers—usually a friend or family member of a person killed by a drunk driver—sharing personal stories about their loved ones and discussing the impact losing them has had on their lives. Designed to be non-confrontational, these presentations are used to help drivers better understand the consequences of their actions and make them think before getting behind the wheel after drinking.
If you were recently arrested for driving under the influence, the first thing you should do is locate an attorney who exclusively handles DUI cases. Unlike lawyers who practice several areas of law, a DUI attorney has specialized training in drunk driving defense—and this knowledge can come in handy when it’s time to challenge your arrest.
In some cases, your attorney may even be able to convince the judge to reduce or dismiss your charges if you agree to complete a drunk driving alcohol course.
DUI Alcohol Education Courses
Why School is Not Out for the Summer
If you have been convicted of a DUI, get out your pencils and paper – you’re most likely going to attend alcohol education classes. Courts often impose DUI school as a means to help a DUI convict get his or her life back on track. If you successfully complete your DUI classes, you can often avoid having points added to your drivers’ license and have reduced penalties. DUI classes can sometimes be a one day session or a series of shorter classes. This may require 12 hours or more of instruction.
Attending alcohol education courses are a great way of lessening a DUI conviction. Taking these courses can not only lessen a penalty. And attending support classes often bring a long-term solution to an individual’s alcohol problem. However, the effectiveness of courses has been long debated going back to the foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This is the most well-known alcoholic support organization today.
The alcohol education courses you may take range in intensity. The severity of a DUI conviction often determines what class best fits the offender. If the crime was minor, the court may conclude a one day session is sufficient. A more sever violation may result in ongoing attendance and an intense curriculum.
Attendance fees also range based on the intensity of the course and length. They are paid by the convicted party. Often times the DUI school will allow payment plans or a sliding scale for those with low incomes.
Charged with a DUI? An attorney specializing in DUI is the only way to effectively complete the court process. A DUI attorney may be able to eliminate the need for classes, or completely beat your DUI charge.
For a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney in your area, complete our online form today.