DUI Alcohol Classes

Why School is Not Out for the Summer

If you have been convicted of a DUI, get out your pencils and paper - you’re most likely going to attend alcohol education classes. Courts often impose DUI school as a means to help a DUI convict get his or her life back on track. If you successfully complete your DUI classes, you can often avoid having points added to your drivers' license and have reduced penalties. DUI classes can sometimes be a one day session or a series of shorter classes. This may require 12 hours or more of instruction.

Attending alcohol education courses are a great way of lessening a DUI conviction. Taking these courses can not only lessen a penalty. And attending support classes often bring a long-term solution to an individual’s alcohol problem. However, the effectiveness of courses has been long debated going back to the foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This is the most well-known alcoholic support organization today.

The alcohol education courses you may take range in intensity. The severity of a DUI conviction often determines what class best fits the offender. If the crime was minor, the court may conclude a one day session is sufficient. A more sever violation may result in ongoing attendance and an intense curriculum.

Attendance fees also range based on the intensity of the course and length. They are paid by the convicted party. Often times the DUI school will allow payment plans or a sliding scale for those with low incomes.

Charged with a DUI? A DUI attorney specializing in DUI is the only way to effectively complete the court process. A DUI attorney may be able to eliminate the need for classes, or completely beat your DUI charge.
(Source: www.duilawyers.net/duieducation.html)

DUI Penalties

Being charged with a DUI can seem like the end of the world for many. The list of penalties is seemingly endless and the effects of these punishments are long-lasting. But with the right DUI attorney, you can help avoid some or all of the penalties. While the specific DUI penalties vary from state to state, it helps to know what you or someone you love could be facing. Arming yourself with this knowledge and discussing your options with your attorney can be the most comforting feeling during this difficult time.

Throughout the country, many of states have put the following penalties into place to stop drinking and driving:
• Fines of typically a minimum of $2000 or more depending on jurisdiction
• Administrative license suspension and/or revocation
• Court appointed alcohol education classes and treatments
• Community service
• Installation of an ignition interlock system
• Vehicle impounding or confiscation
• Jail, with the term depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the crime and number offenses

While these are some of the harshest penalties you could face for a DUI conviction, it does not stop there. There are other penalties that are more discreet or “hidden”.

For example, did you know that with a DUI conviction you may not be able to enter other countries? Canada, for example considers any crime whether it be a misdemeanor or felony to be an offense. They consider this a reason to not be allowed to enter the country.

You can also be facing higher insurance premiums or a cancellation or your policy altogether. You can even lose your job due to the affects of the other penalties. Jail, community and vehicle impoundment can seriously affect your job.

This is why it is so important to contact an experienced DUI defense attorney to represent you. They can find ways to lessen charges or even have the case against you dismissed. Breathe a sigh of relief and contact one in your state today!