DUI Schools
A California DUI conviction carries serious consequences that can include fines, a driver’s license suspension, and even jail time. You’ll also be required to attend DUI school. An experienced California DUI attorney from The Kavinoky Law Firm can answer all of your questions about these classes.
DUI schools, which are also called alcohol education classes, are special classes designed to teach you about the dangers of drunk driving. The length of the classes will depend on the facts of your case, including the number of prior convictions you have.
There are several types of DUI schools that vary in length from three months for a first offender with no aggravating factors to 18 months for multiple offenders. The classes typically meet for one hour a week and require that you follow certain rules while you’re enrolled. Most notably, you’re required to abstain from drugs and alcohol while enrolled, avoid additional DUI arrests, and attend each class session.
There are DUI schools located conveniently throughout California. You can attend any court-approved school that’s convenient for you to attend. It’s important to choose one that offers the right type of classes for your offense. It’s also extremely important that you choose a school that you’ll be able to attend all of the class meetings and complete the program successfully. Otherwise you’ll be punished by the court.
The costs of California DUI schools vary depending on the length of the program. The three-month first offender program costs $440 plus various fees. The California enhanced first offender program, for drivers whose BAC was .20 percent or greater, lasts for six months and costs $816 plus fees. The nine-month enhanced first offender program costs $1,100 plus fees. The one-year first- or multiple-offense enhanced program costs $1,314 plus fees. Finally, the 18-month multiple-offender program costs $1,465 plus fees.
In addition to the requirement that you abstain from alcohol and drugs while enrolled in DUI school and attend all class sessions, you’ll also be required to participate in the classes and behave respectfully toward the instructor and the other participants.
If you’re going to miss alcohol education classes for three weeks or more, you must apply for a leave of absence. You’ll be required to pay $20 for a leave of absence and $50 to be reinstated. You must pay $50 to transfer to another alcohol education program. You’ll also be fined $20 for missing any scheduled classes or interviews.
The effectiveness of California DUI schools has been questioned by many people, but the intention is to educate you about the dangers of drunk driving. If you successfully complete the program, you’ll be that much closer to fulfilling the terms of your California DUI sentence.
DUI school is required in every California drunk driving case unless you’re acquitted or are able to reach a plea bargain that allows you to plead guilty to a lesser charge. To learn more about alcohol education classes in drunk driving cases, please contact a skilled California DUI attorney from The Kavinoky Law Firm today at 1-800-NO-CUFFS for a free consultation.
