Required DUI School After a DUI Conviction
If you were convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), underage DUI, possession of illegal drugs, underage possession of alcohol, or even boating under the influence of alcohol, you will be required to attend DUI school. The course is known as “DUI Alcohol or Drug Abuse Risk Reduction Program.” The program will consist of an assessment, followed by the classroom intervention program.
The court or judges will not require attendance at a specific DUI school, but it must be approved by the Department of Driver Services (DDS). DUI schools can be found throughout the state. Fulton county has more than 30 certified DUI schools, with more than 20 in Atlanta alone. A list of approved certified DUI schools can be found on the DDS website here.
There are currently no online DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction courses that meet the state's requirements for drivers. Any online DUI school will not be accepted by DDS for any purpose related to a Georgia state driver's license.
Risk Reduction Program
The DUI Risk Reduction Program consists of an assessment component and an intervention component. The assessment component needs to be completed first, takes about 30 minutes, and consists of a 130 question comprehensive screening, to evaluate the individual's drug and alcohol use, and the extent and impact on driving.
After the assessment, next is the classroom component. This is comprised of a 20-hour program, in a group environment. It is designed to provide therapeutic education and peer group counseling about alcohol use and alcohol's effect on driving. Depending on the program, the 20-hours can completed in less than 1 week.
The state regulates the programs, and what a student must do to successfully complete the program. A student cannot be late to classes, and will not be allowed in if they show up late. If the student is absent, or leaves early from any session, they may be required to start the program over again, and pay the full cost again.
The costs for DUI school is regulated by the state, and should not vary from school to school. The assessment costs $100, the 20-hour program costs $235, with $20 for a textbook and materials fee, for a total of $355. After completion of the risk reduction program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion issued by the State of Georgia.
Atlanta DUI Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been arrested for a DUI, it is important to understand what all the consequences of a DUI conviction may be, so you will understand what is at risk. DUI school is just one of the many requirements a driver convicted of a DUI will have to deal with. I have years of Georgia DUI experience successfully representing people charged with drunk driving, to get their charges dismissed, so they never have to serve jail time, or go to DUI school. Call me today and we'll work to get your charges reduced or dismissed.