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DWI / DUI School

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No matter how many regulations are made or lhow many laws are passed, there is still an alarming number of people who get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or using drugs. In 2008, an estimated 11,773 people died in drunk driving related crashes. One measure that was put in place to limit the number of impaired drivers on the road is requiring that drivers who are found guilty of the offense to attend DWI/DUI school, a series of courses about drunk or impaired driving.

It is up to the judge to decide who is a good candidate for this type of course. Usually the people who are ordered to attend are facing their first or second offense; third time offenders may face jail time. These courses are typically taught by addiction counselors and are independent from the court or DMV system. They exist to help drivers and addicts recover and reclaim their life. The aim of these courses is to educate impaired drivers on the potential results of their actions. DWI/DUI school shows these people that many lives can be ruined by one mistake. They will generally be told stories of children who have been killed or orphaned by a drunk driver, and be shown videos illustrating the various results of impaired driving. These courses usually include videos that depict crash sites that were caused by an impaired driver. Some schools may also bring drivers to the local morgue to see the effects of impaired driving up-close and personal.

In addition to attending DWI/DUI school, you will also be required to sit down with a counselor and discuss your drinking habits or addiction problems. He or she will then recommend to the judge what they feel is a suitable amount of time for drug or alcohol education courses. The period of time you are required to attend DWI/DUI school will depend on how serious your offense was (based on your BAC at the time of your arrest), what your addiction counselor has recommended, as well as how many times you have been found guilty of DUI/DWI in the past. Some sentences may be as short as 12 hours of class time or even up to 30 months or more. Repeat offenders typically are required to attend for longer periods of time.

There are usually tests that go along with these courses; participants are required to pass the tests in order to comply with the judge's orders. It is not enough to simply sit through the courses. Participants have to prove that they have retained the information. Then, and only then, will their license be reinstated following suspension.

DWI/DUI schools are not always mandatory or court ordered. If someone recognizes that they have a problem with drinking but feel a rehabilitation facility is not what they need, they may elect to voluntarily attend a series of courses. Most people are not proud of their addictions, so doing something like that is a major step. For those who are required to attend, something like this can be shameful, but it is still necessary. The shame alone may deter participants from committing the crime in the future.

The court may let you choose what facility to take your courses from. If this is the case, make sure to find one near your residence, as you may not have your license to drive there. Also make sure the facility offers courses that fit your schedule. Many facilities offer night and weekend classes so people are able to work during the day.

If you have been convicted of a DUI or DWI offense and may be required to take educational classes to fulfill a court order, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced DUI/DWI lawyer may be able to work with the judge and district attorney to lessen your sentence if you believe you have been wrongly accused or have received a sentence that is too harsh for the crime. Having a lawyer on your side during this process is necessary; call a lawyer or attorney today.