DUI Classes
There are many penalties associated with driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, and depending on your jurisdiction, attending DUI classes may be one of them. This of course will also depend on the specific facts surrounding your case and whether or not such programs are offered in your area. If you are sentenced to attend DUI classes, the length of the program and the course content may depend on the circumstances of your case. For example, if this is your fourth DUI conviction, the program is going to likely differ than for those who are first-time offenders. Also if your blood alcohol content was well over the legal limit, the program may be geared more toward the harmful affects of excessive drinking.
While programs may differ by jurisdiction, many have common elements such as describing the health problems associated with drinking and/or drug use. DUI classes may also cover the devastating affects that DUI has on society and people. An example might be a family telling their story about the loss of a loved one due to someone who was DUI. This may be a MADD-sponsored program that can include some shocking and emotionally disturbing video and family testimony.
There may also be a presentation by a person who was injured in a DUI accident. Though it’s designed to be non-confrontational, such a presentation can leave quite an impact. These presentations are not just reserved for those whose DUI accidents involved injury or killing another person. Rather they are to deter anyone from drinking and driving in the future.
DUI classes may also focus on alcohol and/or drug treatment. Some DUI classes include a psychosocial analysis to help identify if there are any symptoms of substance abuse to see if further treatment may be required.
If you are required to attend DUI classes, it is your responsibility to pay for them. Depending on your jurisdiction, these court-approved programs can cost up to a few hundred dollars. Upon completing the classes, the court will likely require you to submit documentation that you attended the program and participated as was required.
