For those caught drunk driving, California DUI laws are among the toughest in the U.S., even for first time offenders. For instance, everyone will have to take a program at one of the many DUI schools in California – wherever you live, there will be a school nearby.
In most cases, the requirement to attend DUI school is imposed by the court, If not, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will require completion of a DUI program before it will reinstate a license.
The programs are State-licensed “Driving-Under-the-Influence Programs” and DUI schools are companies and organizations which have been especially licensed to provide them. They are licensed and monitored by the Office of Criminal Justice Collaboration, within the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP).
The main aim of California DUI school programs is to:
- Reduce the number of repeat drunk driving offenses.
- Provide an opportunity to address drug and alcohol use and support changes. (For some, drunk driving may be just part of a larger problem with alcohol and drugs).
DUI School Programs
In California there are seven state-licensed Driving-Under-the-Influence Programs, falling into three different groups:
- First DUI Offender Programs lasting from 12 hours to 9 months, depending on blood alcohol levels and the nature of the offense.
- 18-month programs for second and subsequent DUI offenders.
- 30-month programs for third and subsequent DUI offenses.
The shortest First Offender programs cost an average of $250, with 30 month programs costing about $3,500.
The court and/or DMV specifies which DUI program must be completed.
Who pays for DUI school?
DUI school programs are paid for by offenders, unless they can prove financial hardship.
In this sense, DUI school is a double penalty for drunk driving, costing offenders time as well as what is often a considerable sum of money.
Finding a DUI School in California
Offenders must find a DUI school themselves and enroll within three weeks of sentencing. Schools do not accept anyone without a court or DMV referral.
Finding a DUI school in California is not difficult – there are state-licensed DUI schools in all 58 counties, including more than 70 schools in the County of Los Angeles.
Do You Need to Take DUI School Seriously?
Absolutely. You may be dropped or expelled from DUI school as a result of poor attendance or other negative behaviors. In particular, DUI program administrators are alert to signs of that students are under the influence of drink or drugs.
As attendance is part of your sentencing, a condition of probation, and a condition on which you may be granted a restricted license rather than suspension, being expelled from DUI school has serious consequences.
Copyright © 2010 Caroline Mackenzie/DUI-Lawyer-LA.com
