If you’ve been convicted of a DUI in California, it’s more than likely that you’ll have to attend DUI school as part of your sentence. Naturally, you probably have many questions buzzing around your head about what it’ll be like, what’ll be required of you, and how much hassle you’ll have to deal with to fulfill your obligations. This blog answers some of the most commonly-heard questions about DUI school, but feel free to speak with your defense attorney if you have any others.
Worried about a potential DUI conviction
And if you’ve simply been arrested for DUI and you’re concerned about getting convicted and having to attend DUI school, your best course of action is contacting Southern California’s top DUI defense lawyer, Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm, for expert counsel and representation throughout your DUI case. If you want to avoid a conviction or at least avoid getting the maximum sentence, contact Attorney Dan Chambers today for a free case evaluation and consultation. You can easily make your appointment now by calling 714-760-4088, emailing dchambers@clfca.com, or by using the chat box below.
Now, on to the matter at hand – DUI school.
One question that often arises in everyone’s mind when considering DUI school is—
What is the point of it? Why is it required according to California law?
DUI classes have been designed to educate those who have been convicted of a DUI about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. The purpose of DUI school is to encourage people to stop or at least decrease their use of alcohol and drugs, and to prevent a DUI conviction from being issued again in the future. This is accomplished through education, counseling, and support. These 3 elements are part of all DUI classes.
What is DUI school like?
Perhaps the most helpful piece of information about DUI school is the fact that you can choose which day of the week you go to school (in most cases). Depending on your schedule, you can choose among a couple different options. These options vary depending on which county your DUI school is in, so be sure to check with the DUI school when you sign up about what your options are.
If this is your 1st DUI charge, you’ll have to attend DUI school for 3, 6, or 9 months. The length of your class will vary depending on how high your blood alcohol levels or level of drug intoxication was at the time of your arrest.
The drug and alcohol education segment always lasts for 12 hours, after which you’ll have to attend group counseling sessions that will last between 10-44 hours. Individual counseling will be required as well – the amount of which will be set by the judge who determines your sentence.
2nd, 3rd, and any subsequent DUI convictions will result in more DUI school attendance—which will always include drug and alcohol education sessions, group counseling, and individual counseling interviews.
What happens if I miss a class session?
If you need to miss DUI school for any reason – whether you can’t get out of a work obligation, you have a family emergency, or any other reason – it’s essential that you don’t simply skip the class session. You must officially request a leave of absence from the court which will allow you to miss DUI school without violating the terms of your probation. If you do decide to just skip the class without notifying the court, you could be charged with a failure to appear, resulting in a warrant being issued for your arrest, revocation of your probation and termination from the DUI class. Your defense attorney can help you request this leave of absence should the need arise.
Got more questions about DUI school?
If your DUI case is still pending, make sure you avoid the hassle of having to attend DUI school by contacting Attorney Dan Chambers today. As your defense attorney, he’ll tenaciously defend your rights and best interests throughout your DUI case – hopefully preventing a DUI conviction. But if the evidence is really stacked against you and you do have to attend DUI school, feel free to ask Attorney Chambers about it. He’s always glad to answer client questions.
As a potential client, you’re welcome to schedule your free first visit with Attorney Chambers now by calling 714-760-4088, emailing dchambers@clfca.com, or using the chat box below.
