Should I Go to DUI School?

Driving while under the influence is a dangerous thing to do. One of the many consequences of a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction is that a judge may order you to attend DUI school. DUI school often includes mandatory alcohol education, assessment, and treatment requirements. If a court orders DUI school attendance, attendance isn't optional. Skipping DUI classes is generally a violation of your probationary terms and is a serious offense.

There are other consequences of a DUI conviction, too. You might lose your driver's license for some time, which can affect your ability to get to work, school, the gym, or your child's daycare center. You might incur hefty fines and penalties, affecting your paycheck, bank account, and more. 

If you caused an accident due to driving under the influence, you might have to pay restitution to any victims for their losses. There is also possible jail time, probation, an ignition interlock device (IID), and other negative consequences stemming from a DUI sentence.

This article gives an overview of DUI school and addresses what to expect from DUI classes in terms of length. Finally, the article discusses whether attendance at classes is required.

What Is DUI School?

DUI school is a series of alcohol education courses you may be required to take as part of a probationary sentence. Sometimes DUI school also includes a required substance abuse treatment assessment or treatment program in addition to the education program. The classes aim to teach you, as a DUI offender, about the following:

• The effects of alcohol on the human body
• The effects of illegal or prescription drugs, or alcohol, on your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle

Some states also have victim impact panels where offenders go to hear stories of victims of serious drunk-driving motor vehicle accidents. One of the main goals of DUI school is to deter you from repeat behavior.

How Long Are the Classes?

The length of DUI classes depends on the nature and severity of your crime. One consideration is your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). For instance, in California, the court can order you to attend a course as brief as 12 hours, usually broken up into two hours per week, or as long as a 30-month program for habitual offenders.

The length of your classes also depends on your state's laws. Many states require a minimum of 20 hours of classes.

Do I Have To Attend Classes?

Successful completion of a DUI program is usually a requirement of your probation. If you violate your probation, a judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. The violation subjects you to an additional jail or prison sentence.

Another factor to consider is whether you want your driver's license reinstated. If you don't take or complete your DUI classes, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can withhold your license for an extended period of time. You may not be eligible for license reinstatement and may be required to return to court for further action.

On the positive side, if you complete DUI school per the terms of your probation, you may be able to get your driver's license reinstated earlier.

Should You Go to DUI School? Get Legal Advice From a Criminal Defense Attorney

The decision to go to DUI school is one you may not want to take lightly, especially if you want your driver's license reinstated. An experienced DUI defense attorney can review your DUI charges, analyze the evidence against you, and advocate for your best interests in your DUI case. Contact a local DUI attorney today to learn more about DUI laws and your DUI offense. A DUI lawyer can help you make informed decisions, whether you're a first-time offender or a repeat offender.