California DUI Programs Designed to Keep You Mobile
The law considers convictions for drunk driving differently from other misdemeanors. The repercussions of a DUI conviction extend beyond penalties and even prison time. There are limitations on the defendant’s ability to drive immediately after a DUI conviction. The sentence’s combination of financial sanctions and educational requirements is meant to prevent reoffending.
California DUI School is an alcohol education and prevention program mandated by California courts and DMV. A motorist must enroll in DUI school in California if convicted of a DUI or “wet” driving conviction, including:
- Vehicle Code 23152(a) – driving under the influence;
- Vehicle Code 23152(b) – driving with a BAC of 0.08 percent or more;
- Vehicle Code 23140 – underage DUI (BAC of 0.05 percent or more);
- Vehicle Code 23103.5 – “wet reckless.”
The State licenses providers of DUI education programs. Almost 500 DUI programs are certified by the state and managed by over 250 service providers. Licensed providers conduct their services only in person.
The DUI Programs
There are six kinds of DUI programs in California. The duration of these programs varies depending on the DUI conviction severity. For serious repeat offenders, programs may range from 12-hour weeks to 30 months.
Wet Reckless Program
Under California law, drivers convicted of driving recklessly with alcohol in their system are offered the least stringent educational obligations. Drivers convicted of wet reckless driving are forced to complete 12 hours of lessons, often six to twelve weeks.
Most attendants will initially be charged with wet reckless crime. This accusation exists as a plea bargain that a motorist may accept under particular conditions.
First-Time Offenders
For your first DUI conviction in the last ten years, you will be forced to enroll in one of two new DUI education programs. If convicted of driving with a BAC below 0.20 percent, you must complete a 30-hour program for three months. This program includes drug and alcohol education sessions and counseling.
If your DUI conviction were for an offense with a 0.20 percent or above BAC, your education program would be significantly more comprehensive. The program comprises 60 hours of counseling and drug and alcohol education seminars for nine months.
Second-Time Offenders
If you have been convicted of a second DUI within the prior ten years, California requires you to complete an 18-month DUI education program. The program comprises 52 hours of group therapy and 12 hours of drug and alcohol education.
Contrary to the need for education requirements, the second-time offender program includes network counseling, drug, and alcohol education programs. Program participants must also undergo community reintegration monitoring, which takes roughly six hours. Additionally, you must have individual interviews with a counselor every two weeks throughout the program’s first year.
Third-Time Offenders
Even if you have two or more prior offenses, the 18-month program is the most extended requirement imposed on repeat DUI offenders. However, suppose you are facing a third or subsequent DUI conviction in the greater Los Angeles region during the previous ten years. In that case, you may be compelled to participate in the third-time offender program.
Just like with DUI in Stanton, the program for third-time offenders lasts 30 months. It includes 12 to 18 drug and alcohol education seminars and 78 hours of group therapy. Additionally, you must go between 120 and 300 hours of community service. Throughout the program, you’ll have to complete frequent, individual interviews with a counselor.
Who Pays for DUI Classes, and How Much Do They Cost?
Unfortunately, offenders must pay for all these class costs, starting with a down payment when signing up for the course.
- A twelve-hour program costs $200 – $300.
- Three-month programs cost $450 – $550.
- Six-month programs cost $750 – $950.
- Nine-month programs cost $1,000 – $1,250.
- The eighteen-month program costs $1,550 – $1,750.
- A thirty-month program costs $3,000.
What if You Cannot Afford DUI Schooling Fees?
The expense of a DUI may be burdensome, particularly for individuals who cannot afford DUI training. The good news is that California grants waivers to people who cannot afford court-ordered school fees. DUI program providers may assess offenders financially; however, granting waivers depends on the offender’s finances. Therefore, it is required by law that the defendants provide proof of their income.
What Happens if You Fail to Complete the Program?
If you don’t finish the program, your service provider must notify your judge, who might issue a bench warrant for your arrest. In most cases, arrests result in a new probation hearing when further sanctions, including extra sentences, are considered. Furthermore, you cannot operate any automobile since your license will be suspended.
Proof of Enrollment and Completion
Offenders sentenced for driving under the influence must often provide evidence of attendance at a DUI education program. Proof of enrollment will be submitted to the court by your service provider on the defendant’s behalf so there should be no issues here. The service providers often issue certificates of completion to participants after they have reached the end of their program.
More DUI Resources
For more information on how to handle a DUI charge or arrest, please feel free to browse our blog articles on California DUI:
- How to Get a DUI Dropped Fast
- How Does a California DUI Plea Bargain Work?
- Did the Police Violate Title 17 Regulations?
- Will a DUI on Your Record Affect a Job Application?
- Can I Lose My License Permanently After a California DUI?
- DUI and OR Violations in Los Angeles
- DUI While on Probation in California
- What is Implied Consent in California DUI Case?
- The Importance of the BAC Test Timing in a California DUI Case
- Boating Under the Influence in California
- Flying Under the Influence in California
- What is a Drug Recognition Expert?
- Ignition Interlock Devices for a California DUI
- Can a Person Get a DUI for Drinking in a Parked Car?
- Protecting Your Rights: Things to Remember During a DUI Arrest
- What Constitutes an “Impaired Driving” in California?
- Multiple Open DUI or Old DUI Convictions
- Will a DUI Affect My Profession of Medical License?
- Will a California DUI Impact My Life in the Long Term?
- Possible Defenses for a California DUI, Build Yours
- What is a “Wet Reckless” Plea Bargain?
- How to Avoid Getting Your Driver’s License Suspended for a DUI
- Do You Need to Take a Field Sobriety Test?
- Were You the Victim of an Unlawful Police Stop?
- What to Do Right After a DUI Arrested by Officer in California
- Are You Being Targeted for Being From a Marijuana-Friendly State?
- Driving on Drugs: DUI/D Fatalities Surge
- Reminder to Graduates: Please Don’t Drink and Drive
DUI Lawyers
If you are facing a DUI charge in California, it is important to hire a competent DUI lawyer. A DUI lawyer can provide you with legal representation and help you understand the charges and potential penalties. They can also help you evaluate the evidence against you and determine the best defense strategy.
Remember, the best way to avoid a DUI charge is not to drive while impaired. If you are going out drinking with friends, plan ahead and arrange for a sober ride home. If you have been charged with a DUI in California, contact our experienced DUI lawyers today.
