First-Offender Sentences for OWI in Iowa
In Iowa, drunk driving or operating a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above, is referred to as Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). First time offenders are assigned a minimum 48-hour jail sentence and a mandate to attend the Iowa Department of Transportation Drinking Drivers Education training course before their license can be reinstated.
Second Change OWI Weekend Program
The unique Second Chance OWI Weekend Program allows residents who were charged with a first-time OWI to forgo the court ordered jail time and complete their education class at the same time. Individuals with court approval can serve their sentence by spending the weekend at a local hotel under the guidance of Prevention Research Institute certified instructors. There, in the comfort of their own clothes and the relaxed environment of a hotel meeting room, participants will fulfill all requirements without spending any time in prison. Food for the weekend is catered and included in the cost of registration.
Locations and Hours
The Second Chance OWI Weekend Program offers 12, 48, or 96 Hour OWI Weekend Classes, both of which fulfill the Iowa Law requirements, and they’re offered in four different counties: Charles City, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, and Sioux City. This educational program works to improve community relations while promoting safer decision-making. Second Chance OWI Weekend Programs can be found running through organizations like Urban Dreams, a community service agency state licensed in substance abuse treatment, Self-Awareness, a group of drug and alcohol counselors, Assessment Services, Inc., and others. Prices vary by organization.
Course Completion
When the Second Chance OWI Weekend Program has been completed all participants receive a certification of completion and the necessary paperwork is sent to the Department of Transportation regarding their driver’s license. The county of the sentencing is then notified that the education course has been completed by those charged.
Not from Iowa?
If an individual is charged with an OWI within Iowa state lines but is not a resident they may attend their drinking driver education course out-of-state. Online courses Will Not be accepted. Participants must then fill out and send the Iowa Out-of-State Documentation Form and certification of course completion to the Iowa Department of Drinking Driver Education along with a $37.50 administrative fee. Click here for more details.