DUI Schools

Across the United States, more and more courts are making DUI school attendance mandatory in drinking and driving cases. Even if your attorney arranges for a plea deal in your case, you may still be required to attend these alcohol-awareness courses.

In certain areas, the court may reduce your sentence and penalties if you attend and successfully complete DUI school. Attendance of DUI school may also reduce the number of points on your driver's license as a result of your drunk-driving conviction. This means that you may have your driving privileges reinstated earlier than originally anticipated. Your insurance company may also lower your premiums. Another other benefit of DUI school is that it can reduce your court fines.

While DUI school may save you money in some areas, it will also cost you out of pocket up front. The cost of DUI schools depend on how severe the crime was and what the program involves. You should contact your local DUI school for more information about their rates.

DUI schools also require a great deal of time commitment. As states pass tougher drunk-driving laws, the minimum time requirement goes up. Currently, most states have a minimum time requirement of 12 hours. This means that your class may last for one long day, or you may attend a few partial day class sessions, depending on where you live.

If you have a prior DUI/DWI conviction on your record, or you were convicted of felony DUI, your DUI school requirements may be stricter than that of a first-time offender. If you have already completed the required courses and have prior DUI convictions, you might not have the option to attend DUI school to reduce your penalties.

Most classes are conducted in person, but some courses may be completed via the mail, Internet, or even video. The goal of DUI school is to educate people on the dangers of drinking and driving and the effects that alcohol and drugs have on your body. Some courses may require you to visit a morgue or hospital, or to see pictures of alcohol-related accidents.

If you have recently been charged with drinking and driving and have questions about DUI schools, you should contact a DUI defense attorney in your area.