A judge has ordered me to take DUI classes. What can I expect at this school?

Most DUI convictions carry the added penalty of required drunk driving education programs, often known as DUI school. These classes vary by state, but they are manageable for someone who is willing to satisfy the requirements and, in some cases, reduce the points on their license or the time of their sentence. DUI class requirements include:

• Class attendance – you must complete the required classes, which vary by state from between 10 hours to 45 hours, often meeting once a week

• Class fees – you are responsible to pay the required fee of a state-approved school, often running as high as several hundred dollars

• Participation – not only is attendance required, participation in the classes is mandatory, and receiving a successful completion certificate may depend on it

• Sobriety – every student must show they are learning the sobriety skills taught in the classes and must attend classes substance-free throughout the required period

• Completion – while students are not generally required to take written tests, they must show satisfactory compliance and participation, and they must complete all the classes within the required period or risk having their driver’s license suspended

Some offenders find it difficult to attend classes, pay the required fees, or adjust their work schedules for these types of classes. In those cases, your DUI attorney can help arrange solutions that will allow you to complete the program successfully.