In the state of California, being convicted of a DUI is not taken lightly. Since it is the act of choosing to drink and drive above the legal limit, the state wants to ensure that offenders are getting proper education and treatment to reduce the possibility of repeat offenses. With proper education for each individual case, the state of California works to decrease drunk driving. California also offers many different options of treatment for family members who are involved in the process who would like to address the issue of alcohol.
Assessments after a DUI
To start the process, most cases require either an in-person assessment or an evaluation that can be completed online. Often, these programs are required both for entry into a treatment as well as for obtaining a license after a DUI.
DUI programs
There are many different programs that are offered, depending on the court’s order as well as the severity and offense number. The required length of program that a convicted driver must complete is often determined by the BAC level when arrested.
The Department of Health Care Services monitors the compliance of all the DUI treatment programs within the state of California. This ensures that all patients receive the same high-quality treatment, regardless of the center they choose.
California also has an association, the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs CADTP, that certified different therapists and counselors to work directly with those who have received a DUI. For information on specific treatment centers and programs, visit their website.
Wet and reckless program
The wet and reckless program is required for those convicted of driving recklessly with alcohol in their that can be measured at the time they are pulled over. The BAC must be below .08 to qualify for the wet and reckless program. The treatment requirement is minimal. The driver must complete a 12-hour DUI alcohol and drug education program.
First offender DUI programs
Those who are convicted of a first offense DUI have several different options for treatment. Generally, only a 3-month program is required for a driver who had a BAC below .15. If the driver has a BAC within the range of .15 to .19, they will be required to complete a 6-month program. If the driver has a BAC of .20 or higher, a 9-month program is required.
Regardless of the offense, each first offense us also required to complete 12 hours of alcohol and drug education, attend group counseling and individual counseling. Some counties might also request additional program hours, depending on the individual case.
Multiple offender DUI programs
Those who have already been convicted of a DUI in the past have stricter treatment requirements in order to regain their license. Most are required to complete the 18-month program, which involves extended group counseling, biweekly individual counseling, and someone monitoring them as they re-enter the community. For more serious cases, typically of it is the third or subsequent DUI that a person has received within 10 years, a county may require a 30-month treatment program. With this, additional hours of group and individual counseling are required, but up to 300 hours of community service must also be completed.
Both programs must complete the 12 hours of alcohol and drug education as well.