After involvement in a DUI arrest and conviction, you are likely to receive several orders from the court or Department of Motor Vehicles to promote rehabilitation, so you do not commit future offenses. As a result, you will receive varying sentences that include DUI rehabilitative programs like attending a DUI school. The severity and intensity of each punishment depend on the nature of your DUI offense, as well as any previous criminal charges you may have faced. Suppose you and your loved one receive orders to join a rehabilitative program. In that case, you will have to make adequate preparations to meet the authority’s requirements issuing the directives. For example, you will need to prepare for enrollment and admission into the rehabilitative program and plan for the program fees.
With a criminal defense attorney present to help you through the selection and admission into a DUI alcohol rehabilitative program, you will have an easier time throughout the process. Moreover, your attorney can engage the DMV officer or judge who issues the court orders in negotiations before the sentencing hearing to persuade him or her to give a less severe penalty. At Jonathan Franklin DUI Attorney in Los Angeles, you can expect to receive excellent legal services in the field of DUI defense to help mitigate the orders you receive to attend alcohol rehabilitation. Moreover, our experienced team of attorneys is happy to give you information on the DUI alcohol rehabilitation programs. With the details you receive, you can make proper preparations to align with the set expectations.
Understanding DUI Alcohol Rehabilitation
Upon facing a DUI conviction, you will have to follow various orders directed by a presiding judge or DMV officer. Usually, the charges vary based on several circumstances, depending on whether you have faceted similar convictions before. Additionally, the level of your Blood Alcohol concentration after arrest plays a significant role in determining the type of sentence you receive.
Most DUI convictions include probation sentences in place of serving jail time. Thus, you may receive a mandatory enrollment to a DUI alcohol rehabilitation program among the various probation orders. Since the directives fall under probationary requirements, the rehabilitation system should be more formal. Hence, you will have to attend a DUI School, where you engage in various reformative and rehabilitative sessions.
Therefore, DUI alcohol rehabilitation involves assessment and scrutiny or appointed probation officers and instructors in the DUI schools. However, a rehabilitative facility in California will not admit you into their programs until you provide proof of an official court order. As a result, you and your criminal defense lawyer should retain all official documents issued after your conviction for use as a reference during the enrollment.
Additionally, the rehabilitative facility offering different programs will also ask for an official notice of license suspension from the DMV. The statement serves as proof of a recorded offense by the DMV based on different possible DUI offenses you may have committed.
Expected Standards of Conduct to Uphold in a Rehabilitative DUI School
Like any other institution, a DUI rehabilitative facility sets out several rules for enrollers to follow. The rules are in the interest of maintaining order during the rehabilitative and educational sessions. The regulations also aim to prevent you from reverting to abusing alcohol, especially during session hours.
In doing so, the facility hopes to correct or manage alcohol abuse and addiction cases that are the leading cause of DUI cases. Some of the regulations you have to follow in a DUI school include:
Avoid Engaging in Disruptive Behavior.
Some students attending the rehabilitative program often have various underlying issues that may easily trigger anger or unruly behavior. For others, the imperative orders issued in court to attend the DUI alcohol rehabilitation may seem overbearing or limiting their freedom. Subsequently, the students may opt for rebellious behavior that could pose threats to the program’s instructors and other students.
For example, sneaking cigarettes or alcohol into the instruction rooms may expose others to toxic fumes from the smoke. Additionally, taking alcohol in the presence of other members undertaking rehabilitative sessions may cause them to revert quickly, leading to an unsuccessful rehabilitation program. Hence, we recommend avoiding the consumption of unauthorized drugs when, in session, to avoid facing adverse consequences that may involve harsher penalties.
Additionally, disruptive behavior also includes making unsolicited comments that challenge the mode of course instruction. For example, if an instructor is presenting a class, it would help if you refrained from interrupting him/her, especially if you can make the comments after the presentation.
While the regulation may seem repressive, it mainly exists to prevent rebellious behavior that would counteract the aims of the rehabilitative program. Nevertheless, you are free to explore different ideologies when undertaking the program to learn and correct past behavior.
Remain Sober When Attending Sessions
Alcohol consumption during or before a rehabilitative class may negatively affect you and other rehabilitative program beneficiaries. The problem arises when the alcohol triggers a relapse into past addictions, meaning that you will make very little progress during the program duration.
Also, showing up for class when drunk may lead to disruptions, mainly because your thinking is impaired. Consequently, you are likely to engage in more unusual behavior that causes a commotion. The rehabilitative facilities, therefore, strongly discourage enrolled members from alcohol consumption during sessions.
If an instructor suspects you of being drunk, he/she has the authority to issue a breathalyzer test to check on your BAC levels. Since you are already on probation and enrolled in a DUI alcohol rehabilitation program, having a BAC reading of 0.01% or more is sufficient to warrant subsequent penalties.
The authorities responsible for handling matters related to misconduct will have the power to expel you from the DUI school program, meaning that you will not complete your rehabilitative session as expected. Apart from the expulsion, your probation officer may present unauthorized behavior reports to the presiding judge, who may enhance your sentence and include punishments to serve time in jail.
Avoid Sleeping During Different Sessions
Lastly, remaining alert while in sessions is crucial, indicating your commitment during the entire program. Sleeping or using your phone as an instructor makes presentations will show disinterest, leading to possible repercussions. Hence, it is advisable to engage your mind while undertaking different activities to avoid attracting negative attention.
Despite the need to remain alert, you are not under obligation to participate in the various sessions. Your instructor cannot, therefore, compel you to answer questions or participate during a typical presentation. However, you will have to engage during interviews to track your progress, mainly because they are one-on-one. Group therapy sessions may also demand participation, primarily if the matter in discussion affects all groups.
Material Taught During the Rehabilitative Program
When you enroll in a DUI school, the objectives to fulfill by the end of the program require you to uphold a sense of responsibility and avoid drinking when driving. To achieve the results, the rehabilitative facility engages you in various teaching and counseling forms that should help you discuss any problems you face related to alcohol abuse.
As a result, a typical DUI school in California issues the rehabilitative course in two distinct forms. Firstly, you will undergo some formal education hours, whereby an instructor uses different resources to educate you on DUIs and its dangers. The second part involves a more practical approach, where you engage in individual and group counseling.
During the educational sessions, an instructor will give information on various DUI laws applicable in California to educate you on the legal guidelines and requirements set out for all drivers. Therefore, you can avoid violating statutory provisions in the California Vehicle Code with the data, especially DUI offenses.
Moreover, the instructor will cover information on alcohol abuse and the problems it causes. While most people in the rehabilitative program may already be aware of the content in this topic, the instructor covers it as a formality for any first-time offenders who may not be addicted to alcohol yet, to avert them from the dangers.
DUIs may also include offenders who abuse other drugs apart from alcohol. Your instructor will issue presentations on the effects of drug abuse and addiction. The information will touch on other dangers that are not necessarily related to DUI offenses, including arrests for possession and narcotics sale. Overall, education should avert you from using drugs or alcohol, which will ultimately prevent other DUI cases.
The instruction modes may range from presenting films, presenting in a live lecture, or holding group discussions. Your instructor will choose different methods for each topic to promote maximum cooperation and flow of information.
For the second part, you will undergo counseling sessions guided by a professional therapist. During the individual or group counseling, you have a chance to raise any issues of concern that may trigger your alcohol abuse. With continuous discussions, your therapist will suggest new behavioral practices to help you cope with the urge to consume alcohol. The lasting effects will help you avoid drunk driving, as you will learn more techniques on responsibility.
The last mode of instruction in a rehabilitative program involves one-on-one interviews with authorized instructors. During the interviews, you will discuss your current progress, including what you have learned. Moreover, you will have a chance to speak about the challenges you face and how you hope to reform them based on the rehabilitative education you receive during the program.
DUI Alcohol Rehabilitation Durations for Different Offenders
First Time Offenders
A first time DUI offense will attract a three-month rehabilitative program that requires $843 to enroll. Also, your BAC should be below 0.20% to enroll in the program, on top of facing a first-time conviction. The activities you can expect are:
- Twelve hours of alcohol education
- Three hours of one-on-one counseling
- Eighteen hours of group counseling sessions
For the program, you can only miss a maximum of five classes. If you exceed the limit, you could face expulsion from the program.
Second Wet Reckless or DUI Offenders
If your BAC is over 0.02%, you will enroll in a nine-month rehabilitation program. Additional criteria for joining the class include refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test after arrest and involvement in a previous DUI or wet reckless conviction.
The program charges up to $1851, and you can only skip seven classes throughout the rehabilitative session or risk dropping out. The sixty-hour program is divided as follows:
- At least thirty-six meetings at Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Twelve hours in alcohol education
- Sixteen individual interviews
- Twenty-two hours of group counseling
Third Time Offenders
The rehabilitative program available to third-time offenders lasts for eighteen to thirty months. Over the period, you will engage in:
- Twelve hours of alcohol education
- Six hours of monitored community re-entering programs
- Two individual interviews per week
- Fifty-two hours of group counseling
Subsequent DUI Offenders
If you face a third or subsequent DUI conviction, you are eligible for a thirty-month program. Moreover, the program is available sec second-time offendersregisregisterBAC level of 0.15% or more, as it is a gross DUI violation.
During the program, you will engage in:
- Individual interviews
- Twelve hours of alcohol education
- Seventy-eight hours of group counseling
- Up to three hundred hours of community service
Underage Offenders
If you are under twenty-one years and face a DUI conviction, you will undertake the AB 803 DUI class. You must be a first-time underage DUI offender and be between eighteen to twenty-one years old to attend the course.
The program runs for six weeks, with each week offering a class for two hours. In total, you will spend twelve hours in an AB 803 program.
To enroll, you will pay $270 as program fees to cater for the different rehabilitative sessions. Additionally, you can only skip a maximum of two classes backed by credible reasons. Nevertheless, you will have to make up for the missed classes to complete the program successfully.
Contact a DUI Defense Attorney Near Me
When you receive court orders to attend mandatory DUI alcohol rehabilitation, it is essential to think of all the preparations you have to undertake, including clearing your schedule and obtaining all relevant documents. Therefore, hiring an experienced attorney will help you have a smooth process, as you know what to expect. Additionally, your lawyer will guide you throughout the rehabilitative program to keep you from violations that could attract adverse consequences.
Working with a lawyer from Jonathan Franklin DUI Attorney is an excellent step towards successfully enrolling and completing your DUI alcohol rehabilitation. With our services, you can count on us to provide reliable legal counsel and representation for your DUI. Call us today at 323-464-6700 if you are in the Los Angeles area.
