Who is Required to Take DUI Classes in CA?

May 15, 2023

In California, a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) has severe repercussions. On top of hefty fines, jail time, license suspension, and other penalties, convicted offenders may also be required to complete state-approved DUI classes. People who have been convicted of these driving offenses must take DUI classes in CA:

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or above
Wet reckless charge (when a DUI charge is reduced to reckless driving)
Underage DUI with a 0.05% BAC or above
Other drug or alcohol-related driving offenses

You’ll also need to complete DUI classes if you pleaded no contest (nolo contendere) or guilty to any of the charges mentioned above, as opposed to getting convicted by a jury at trial.

What DUI Education Programs in CA Are Available?

California has approved various forms and types of DUI education programs, ranging from basic education classes to more intensive and lengthy treatment programs. The program that you must complete will depend on the seriousness of your DUI offense and your personal history of drug or alcohol use. These programs include:

Wet Reckless Program

You must complete this 12-hour DUI program if you’re convicted of reckless driving reduced from a DUI.

First Offender DUI Program

You must complete a 30-hour drug and alcohol counseling and education program if you are convicted of a first DUI offense. This program lasts for three months.
You must finish a 60-hour, nine-month drug and alcohol counseling and education program if you are convicted of a first DUI offense and your BAC is 0.20% or above.

These DUI programs are intended to allow people to reflect on their behavior and attitudes, eliminate or reduce their drug or alcohol use, and encourage sustainable and positive lifestyle changes.

18-Month DUI Program

You must complete this 18-month multiple DUI offender program if you’re convicted of a second or subsequent DUI offense. Program requirements include:

Community reentry monitoring for six hours
Drug and alcohol education for 12 hours
Group counseling for 52 hours
Twice weekly individual interviews for 12 months

30-Month DUI Program

You must finish this 30-month DUI education program if you’re convicted of a third or subsequent DUI offense. Requirements include:

Community service for 120 to 300 hours
Drug and alcohol education for 12 hours
Group counseling for 78 hours
Regular and close individual interviews

Take note that the state doesn’t license or approve Internet DUI programs because they don’t meet the state’s DUI education program requirements.

What Happens During DUI Classes in CA?

You are required to participate in group and video discussions, individual interviews, and listen to lectures about the risks and consequences of DUI. If you exceed the allowed number of absences, you will be dropped from the program. The penalties for not completing the program or violating the class rules could include probation violation, a bench warrant, license suspension, or imprisonment.

Speak to a Seasoned Santa Barbara DUI Defense Attorney

Facing a DUI charge in CA? Contact the Santa Barbara DUI defense attorney at Bamieh & De Smeth to explore the options available to your specific circumstances. Arrange a free case review with our Santa Barbara DUI defense attorney by contacting us online or calling 805-643-5555.