While it’s important to be aware of the consequences of drunk driving, it’s also important to understand some of the options that are available to those who have been arrested for this offense. If you need a DUI lawyer Bradley Illinois call The MacNeil Firm today at (708) 218-0947 or (708) 218-0947. What sets the MacNeil Firm apart from many other criminal defense lawyers and DUI defense attorneys is our passion for the law, the Constitution, and our dedication to producing a winning result in your case.
DUI education programs help people learn about how alcohol affects their body and how they can prevent driving under the influence in the future. There are many options available for those who want to avoid court or jail time, including substance abuse treatment programs, community service work, and education programs.
DUI education programs
DUI education programs are often required by the court, but they can also be used to reduce your sentence and fine. They may even help you reduce jail time and avoid multiple offenses on your record. For drivers convicted of an alcohol or drug-related driving offense in Illinois you may be required to attend DUI classes.
The alcohol education programs are usually offered once per week for 12 weeks. However, the number of hours you are required to attend depends on the severity of the offense and if you are a first or second time offender.
- First-time offenders who had a BAC under .10 and didn’t cause injury or death typically are required to complete 12 hours of alcohol education courses.
- Second-time offenders or those who were involved in a car accident that caused injury or death or had a high BAC, will need to attend courses for more time. They can be about three months and coupled with additional fines or community service.
- For people above two offenses, who had a very high alcohol concentration, or aggravating factors, DUI classes can last two years or more and there will likely be other requirements.
If you are required to go to DUI school, you must complete it or there could be additional consequences. An experienced DUI lawyer Bradley Illinois can make sure you receive just consequences for your charge.
More about education programs
According to the NHSTA, about 31% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers (with BACs of .08 g/dL or higher). In 2021, there were 13,384 people killed in these preventable crashes. On average from 2012-2021, about 10,850 people died every year in drunk-driving crashes. If you have been charged with a driving under the influence, our DUI lawyer Bradley Illinois is here to help.
Alcohol education programs are not always a consequence for a DUI conviction. However, if a court orders you to attend an alcohol education program, they need to be completed, or you could face additional legal consequences. If you are ordered by a judge to take part in an alcohol education program, it means that instead of serving jail time, they will allow you some time in between completing all phases of the class before sentencing begins.
Then they can review their records and determine whether or not it was worth letting someone off without jail time based on how well they did with their classes and tests, as well as how much community service they performed while enrolled at said course.
Drug education programs
Despite the risks, some individuals still get behind the wheel after using substances. This decision puts themselves and everyone else on the road at risk. Under certain circumstances, the court may give you the option to attend court-ordered classes. These classes enable offenders to treat underlying substance abuse issues under the supervision of the court and medical professionals. The program you enter will vary based on your situation. Some people may be required to go to inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, therapy, DUI classes or a combination of these programs.
The purpose of a drug education course is to provide education for those who have been charged with alcohol or drug-related driving offenses. In order to fulfill the requirements of the Illinois Secretary of State, a remedial education course must cover the following topics:
- Information on the effects that the drug can have on a person’s health
- The widespread issue of driving under the influence in the state of Illinois, including statistics about DUI prevalence and injuries/deaths resulting from driving under the influence
- The effect of drugs and drug dependency on an individual’s well-being and on their families and loved ones
- Avenues of assistance for those who are facing issues related to drug abuse;
- Education about other forms of drugs and their effects on driving when used alone or in conjunction with alcohol
Do drug education programs work
Drug education programs have been shown to reduce recidivism. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Research shows that when individuals receive some form of drug treatment, their risk for relapse is reduced.” Addiction is treatable and there are research-based methods that help people to stop using drugs and resume productive lives. Treating withdrawals, staying in treatment, and preventing a relapse are essential parts of the process for successful education programs. When combined with drug testing and community service, these programs can be powerful tools in helping you stay sober.
Our DUI lawyer Bradley Illinois is here to help you
If you have been arrested for drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs, you may be able to reduce the penalties for your offense by completing an educational program. You may have to pay a fine and attend classes about drunk driving education and prevention. You may also be ordered to complete community service hours, install an ignition interlock device on your car, or install a breathalyzer in your vehicle so that it can monitor how much alcohol is in your system while driving.
The education and prevention programs are an effective way to help people avoid repeat offenses. These programs offer offenders an opportunity to learn about the dangers of drunk or intoxicated driving, develop strategies for avoiding future arrests, and gain insight into how their actions affect others in society. Contact our DUI lawyer Bradley Illinois today for a free consultation.
