OC DUI Alcohol Programs

Alcohol Education Programs in Orange County DUI Cases

Sometimes, mandatory alcohol education can be reduced or even avoided through a plea bargain – an arrangement with an Orange County District Attorney that allows a DUI driver to plead guilty to a lesser charge.  Oftentimes, the reduced charge carries a more manageable educational requirement.  An experienced Orange County DUI lawyer can evaluate each case to determine whether a plea bargain is a likely or favorable outcome.

The length of the alcohol education classes, like other aspects of an Orange County DUI case, will depend on the number of prior or other drunk driving convictions within a 10-year period.  Multiple convictions within the 10-year period garner harsher penalties, but if a second arrest occurs more than 10 years after a first offense, it is treated as a first-time Orange County DUI.

The standard first-offender alcohol education program requires attendance at one 3-hour session for 12 weeks, or approximately 36 hours of coursework.  It may be possible to get a restricted driver’s license to allow for driving to and from the program.  For more information on obtaining a restricted license, contact an experienced Orange County DUI defense lawyer.

The standard program for second-offenders is divided into several phases, and typically begins with mandatory attendance at weekly sessions, gradually changing to every other week.  Finally, there is a 30-month program for multiple offenders.

Classes are not to be taken lightly.  The attendance rules are very strict and, if you miss a certain number of classes, you can be terminated from the program.  Even if you are late, you might be considered absent, and ultimately terminated.  Then, in order to be in compliance with the terms of your probation, you will need to get court permission to get re-enrolled.  You may be considered in violation of your probation.

Mandatory attendance at alcohol education programs can sometimes be reduced through careful negotiations.  A leading Orange County DUI defense attorney can evaluate each case to determine how to minimize the amount of alcohol education and other consequences of a drunk driving arrest.