Defendants who are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) will face a number of different consequences. Besides possible jail time and substantial fines, DUI offenders will also be ordered to attend an alcohol education and therapy program. Here’s what you need to know about this program:
Level I Alcohol Education Program
The state has two separate alcohol education programs that are referred to as level I and level II. Level I is a 12-hour alcohol and drug education program that is divided into three or more sessions. First-time DUI offenders, minor DUI offenders, and offenders with a low BAC will usually be required to complete this program.
Level II Alcohol Education and Therapy Program
DUI offenders who have two or more alcohol-related convictions in the last five years or three or more in their lifetime are required to complete the level II program. This program is also required for DUI offenders who refused to take a blood, breath, or urine test or who had a BAC of 0.15 or more at the time of their arrest.
Level II consists of both an education and a therapy program. The education portion is a 24-hour program that the offender must attend over a period of 12 weeks. This program is typically conducted in a small group setting, with no more than 12 students per class. After completing the education portion, most DUI offenders will be required to enter the level II therapy program.
The therapy portion of the level II program can last from 5-10 months. Each DUI offender will be assigned to complete track A, B, C, or D of the therapy program. Usually, a trained evaluator within the probation department will assign the DUI offender to one of these tracks after assessing their needs. A DUI offender assigned to track A will only be required to complete 42 hours of therapy over 5 months, whereas an offender assigned to track D will need to complete 86 hours over 10 months.
If you have been ordered to complete one of these programs, it’s important to do so. Failing to complete the program will affect your driving privileges.
If you have been charged with DUI, seek legal representation from Reisch Law Firm as soon as possible. Our criminal defense attorneys will work tirelessly to reach the best possible outcome in your DUI case. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
