For those who are not familiar with how a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction can impact your driving privileges, this article may be of some interest. In short, an individual will be charged with a DUI if they have a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of .08 percent or higher while operating a motor vehicle. It should be made clear, however, that a DUI charge and a DUI conviction are two different things. To be convicted of a DUI, an individual will have to appear before a judge and be adjudicated guilty. If this happens, they will likely have their driving privileges suspended and ordered to attend DUI classes.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DUI CLASSES
If convicted of a DUI, most courts will order an individual to complete what is known as level 2 alcohol classes. For those who are not familiar with these types of classes, they are DMV (Department of Motor Vehicle)-approved classes that provide individuals with information related to alcohol education, DUI laws, and the importance of driving responsibly. Although other topics are covered, these are among the most common. It is also important to note that these classes are not free. Those who are convicted of DUI and ordered to attend alcohol classes will be responsible for paying the costs associated with those classes.
HOW MANY DUI CLASSES WILL YOU HAVE TO ATTEND?
When an individual is court-ordered to attend level 2 alcohol classes instead of facing jail time, they will usually have to complete 24 total hours worth of these classes or roughly 12 individual class sessions. In most cases, an individual will have to complete these court-ordered classes if they meet any of the following:
- Have been convicted of 2 or more alcohol violation within 5 years
- Have had their license revoked for multiple failed BAC tests
- Have had their license revoked for refusing to take a BAC test
DUI CLASSES AND LEVEL 2 THERAPY
Individuals who have been court-ordered to attend level 2 alcohol classes may also have to complete level 2 therapy, which can last anywhere from 5 to 10 months, depending on their track assignment. For context, track assignments are generally determined based on a DUI evaluation as well as the individual’s BAC at the time of their arrest. That said, the number of hours an individual can expect to spend in level 2 therapy, based on tracks A through D, is as follows:
Track A – This track assignment is generally given to first-time offenders with a BAC between .10 and .150 at the time of their arrest. Individuals with this track assignment are required to complete 43 hours of level 2 therapy over 22 sessions.
Track B – This track assignment is generally given when an individual refuses a BAC test. It may also be assigned if an individual had a BAC of 14 or higher at the time of their arrest. A track B assignment will require individuals to complete 53 hours of level 2 therapy over 26 sessions.
Track C – This track assignment is generally given to those charged with DUI for the second time. A track C assignment will require individuals to complete 69 hours of level 2 therapy over 34 sessions.
Track D – This track assignment is generally given to those charged with DUI for the third time. A track C assignment will require individuals to complete 85 hours of level 2 therapy over 42 sessions.
All in all, the primary objective when it comes to level 2 therapy is to help individuals understand that driving while under the influence carries serious consequences. Furthermore, these sessions are often used to determine if an individual has an alcohol problem that might require addiction recovery treatments.
WILL YOUR DRIVING PRIVILEGES BE REINSTATED AFTER COMPLETING COURT-ORDERED DUI CLASSES?
One of the most common questions that many people have after completing court-order DUI classes and level 2 therapy, if applicable, is how long will it take to have their driving privileges reinstated. Generally speaking, even after satisfying the court’s requirements, most individuals will still have to complete the following to have their license reinstated:
- Have proof of car insurance
- Attend a DUI hearing and formally request to have their license reinstated
- Pay all fees related to their DUI conviction
BOTTOM LINE
All in all, a DUI conviction can result in a loss of time, money, and driving privileges. In some cases, they can also result in the offender facing jail time. That being said, if you have a problem with alcohol and you’re ready to seek help, consider scheduling a consultation with one of our associates today at 302-842-2390.
