DUI School After a DUI Conviction
In addition to criminal penalties, you may also be required to complete a DUI education program after a DUI conviction. DUI schools may be court-ordered, or they may be a condition you must handle to regain your driving privileges. DUI schools are designed to prevent individuals convicted of DUI from committing subsequent offenses.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Ventura County and have questions regarding what consequences you may face, contact us for a FREE case review.
How Long Are DUI Programs?
The length of a DUI education program depends on a number of factors unique to your case, including:
- Your specific DUI charge
- Your blood alcohol content level (BAC) level
- Your criminal record (past DUI convictions)
Ventura County DUI programs are offered in a number of cities throughout the county, including Oxnard, Ventura, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Fillmore. Although the length and costs of these programs vary, they can be a time-consuming, expensive, and burdensome consequence.
First Offender DUI Programs
First offender DUI programs are designed for drivers who were convicted of drunk driving with no prior DUI record. These programs can last between twelve hours and nine months, depending on the driver’s criminal conviction and the court’s decision. Additionally, the court may require a DUI education program if you were convicted of drugged driving.
Twelve-Hour DUI School for First Offenders
The court may impose a twelve-hour DUI school for two reasons: you were convicted of wet reckless driving or you were convicted of underage DUI. These offenses are considered less severe than other DUI crimes. Thus, they are subject to shorter DUI education programs. In California, motorists convicted of wet reckless driving may attend the California twelve-hour DUI School (SB 1176). A wet reckless conviction is not punishable by a DUI program lasting more than 12 hours. The program is comprised of six, two-hour class sessions. Attendees who miss two consecutive classes will fail the course for noncompliance. A twelve-hour program costs about $240.
If you are convicted of underage DUI, you may face a similar educational program. The twelve-hour DUI program for underage drivers (AB 803) is provided for 18- to 20-year-olds. Like SB 1176, this program is given in six, two-hour session over the span of six weeks. This program is offered to minors who were convicted of their first DUI. Generally speaking, the twelve-hour underage DUI program is about the same price as the SB 1176 program; however, it can be more expensive. If you or your child was arrested for underage drinking and driver, the DUI attorneys at our firm can help you combat these charges to avoid the cost of an underage DUI school.
Three-Month DUI Programs for First Offenders
First-time DUIs are punishable by a three-month DUI program, officially referred to as the AB 541 program. This program usually costs over $500 and attendees typically participate in this class as probation requirement for a first DUI offense. If the DUI involved aggravating circumstances, such as a minor passenger or injury, the motorist could face an extended DUI education program. If the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was extremely high (.20%) the court could require him/her to attend a nine-month DUI school instead.
During the three-month DUI program, drivers will complete 30 hours of class time. Most of these programs divide the 30 hours between ten or fifteen class periods over the span of three or four months. During these classes, an instructor may share lectures, videos, and class discussions related to drunk driving, alcohol, and the dangerous of impaired driving. Sometimes, the AB 541 program includes one-on-one counseling, where participates are expected to actively contribute to counseling sessions.
Six-Month Programs for First Offenders
Like the AB 541 program, the AB 762 program may be required for first-time DUI offenders. However, the AB 762 program lasts for six months instead of three. This program usually costs about $880 and is generally offered to drivers who were convicted before 2005, but failed to complete the DUI school. Although six-month programs are less common than nine-month programs, a judge can still impose this penalty if he/she sees fit. For instance, you could face a six-month DUI school if convicted of driving with a BAC between .15% and .19% or causing an accident while driving under the influence. A judge may decide to order a six-month program to underage drivers as well, but only if he/she wants to make an impact in the young driver’s life.
Nine-Month Programs for First Offenders
Nine-month DUI programs for first offenders (also called AB 1353) are required for drivers convicted of DUI with a BAC that equaled or exceeded .20%. You could also face a nine-month DUI school for incurring a second wet reckless conviction within ten years of your first conviction. The nine-month program is divided between 60 hours of classroom time and usually costs about $1,200. During the class, attendees will participate in class discussions, lectures, and one-on-one counseling.
DUI School for Multiple Offenses
A judge can order two types of DUI school for multiple offenders (drivers with at least one DUI conviction in the past ten years) and can easily cost more than $1,500. These programs include an 18-month DUI school for second-time offenders and a 30-month program for multiple DUI offenders.
18-Month DUI Program for Second-Time Offenders
18-month DUI programs include:
- Interviews, twice per week for the first 12 months of the program
- Alcohol or drug education (12 hours)
- Community re-entry monitoring (six hours)
- Group counseling for 52 cumulative hours
30-Month DUI Program for Multiple-Time Offenders
Under special circumstances, some counties allow 30-month DUI schools. However, only two counties in California offer 30-month programs: Los Angeles and Stanislaus County
What is Community Re-entry Monitoring?
The term “community re-entry monitoring” refers to the transition that participants must make between DUI school and their normal lives. During this time, participants have the opportunity to find self-help programs and seek new employment if necessary.
How Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP Can Help You
Our firm is passionate about protecting the rights of clients who have been charged with all types of DUI offenses. We know there is a lot at stake, which is why we work closely with clients to guide them step by step through the legal process and toward a successful resolution – whether that’s a case dismissal or reductions in charges and penalties.
We’ve helped many clients battle DUI charges throughout Ventura County – one of the toughest jurisdictions when it comes to driving under the influence.
Let us put our experience and passion to work for you. Contact us today.
