You can find court-approved DUI classes near you in Los Angeles by consulting official resources provided by the County of Los Angeles or contacting the California Department of Health Care Service (DHCS).
Your Los Angeles DUI lawyer can also help you select the appropriate program and ensure compliance with court requirements.
An attorney can also help you understand your charges, possibly have them reduced, and guide you through the penalty process, which will include completing court-approved DUI classes.
Where Can You Find Court-Approved Classes Near You in LA?
The County of Los Angeles offers a list of approved DUI programs in the Los Angeles area.
You can also contact The California Department of Health Care Service (DHCS) via email or phone. The DHCS also offers a DUI programs directory that you can review. There are about 500 state-licensed DUI programs in California. You can also find drug programs.
Examples of Court-Approved DUI Classes Near You in Los Angeles
The following list contains information about DUI education programs available around Los Angeles in early 2025. The list may change over time. For example, you may want to contact ABC Traffic Safety Program.
The ABS Traffic Safety Program has offices available in:
- Hawaiian Gardens
- El Monte
- Azusa
The company provides programs for first offenders as well as 18-month and 30-month safety consultant services. You may also take classes through:
- Anderson Counseling & Education
- Northeast Valley Health Corporation (NEVHC)
- Safety Education Center Inc.
- Fred Kennedy Associates Inc.
- Recovered (formerly the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the San Fernando Valley)
Depending on your location, you may find programs with locations in:
- Beverly Hills
- Santa Monica
- South Gate
- Culver City
- Canoga Park
- San Pedro
- Twin Palm
- San Gabriel Valley
- City of Industry
- Highland Park
- Monterey Park
- W Los Angeles
Many alcohol and drug education programs have facilities in heavily trafficked areas of the city. For example, you may find a program on Whittier Blvd, Santa Monica Blvd, Wilshire Blvd, or South Main Street.
These options can help you find court-approved DUI classes near you in Los Angeles. Regardless of your location, make sure that the class you select meets all program requirements issued by the state.
What Is a Driving Under the Influence Class?
A conviction for driving under the influence in Los Angeles may mandate enrollment in a DUI class. The type and length of the program will depend on the specific details of your case.
DUI classes, or DUI schools, are alcohol education and prevention programs.
Court-approved DUI classes near you provide information on the ways alcohol and other substances affect one’s ability to drive, how to avoid impaired driving, the risks associated with DUI, and the legal consequences of DUI convictions.
Who Has to Attend DUI Classes?
In Los Angeles, individuals convicted of specific offenses related to impaired driving must typically attend court-approved DUI classes as part of their legal obligations.
If the court convicts you of any of the following violations, the court or the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will order you to attend DUI school:
- Driving under the influence: Vehicle Code 23152(a).
- Driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher
- Underage driving under the influence with a BAC of .05% or higher
The court may also order those charged with a “wet reckless” offense to attend these programs. “Wet reckless” is the name for a charge reduction for reckless driving violations involving alcohol or drug use.
How Long Are DUI Classes?
The duration of DUI school ranges from 12 hours to 30 months. How long you must attend depends on the specifics of your offense.
Can I Attend Classes Online?
The California DHCS does not offer licensing to any online DUI programs. Attending online classes that only provide virtual services will not satisfy your court-ordered DUI class requirement.
What Is the 3-Month Program for DUI in California?
The 3-Month First Offender program, also known as the Orange County (OC) AB541 DUI School, is addressed to those who received their first DUI conviction within a 10-year timeframe and registered a blood alcohol level below 0.2.
Courts commonly mandate this program as a condition of probation, alongside other directives set forth by the presiding judge.
Do You Have to Pay for DUI Classes?
The cost of attending court-approved DUI classes is typically the responsibility of the individual convicted of operating a vehicle with an elevated blood alcohol concentration.
While costs can vary among providers, you can expect the following tuition rates, on average:
- $200 – $400 per 12-hour program
- $450 – $600 per 3-month program
- $1,000 per 6-month program
- $800 – $1,500 per 9-month program
- $2,000 – $2,500 per 18-month program
- $3,000 per 30-month program
Most programs require an initial down payment, and some offer payment plans.
What if I Cannot Afford DUI Classes?
You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you cannot afford DUI classes. In this situation, you can request a financial assessment from the DUI class provider to determine if you qualify for reduced fees. Generally, agencies offer reduced fees on a sliding-scale basis.
How Will the Court Know You Enrolled in a DUI Program?
At the sentencing for your DUI violation, the judge will order proof of enrollment in a DUI program within 21 days. Upon your enrollment, program providers generally send proof to the court and the DMV for you, though you should always follow up to ensure the program sent the documentation.
What Happens When You Complete Court-Approved DUI Classes?
At your sentencing, the judge will also determine a date by which you must complete the program. Upon completion, the program provider will send a certificate of completion to the court and DMV. Course completion is a requirement for reinstatement of your license.
What If You Miss a Class Session?
DUI class attendees are allowed a specific number of absences depending on the length of the required program.
The number of absences you can generally have in your DUI program is as follows:
- 12-hour programs allow 2
- 3-month programs allow 5
- 9-month programs allow 7
- 18-month programs allow 10
- 30-month programs allow 15
If you exceed the limit for your program, the program will drop you from the course. You also must attend a make-up class for any absence to receive a certificate of completion.
What Happens if You Fail to Complete the Program?
There are serious repercussions for failing to complete your court-approved DUI classes. If you fail to fulfill this requirement, you may face legal consequences.
Repercussions for failing to complete a DUI program in Los Angeles include a bench warrant and the suspension of your driving privileges. You may also violate your probation.
A Statistical Overview of Los Angeles DUI Accidents and Arrests
According to a report published by the LA County Department of Public Health in October 2022, alcohol use in the past 30 days by age in Los Angeles County (LAC) was 9% for 12—to 17-year-olds, 54% for 18- 25-year-olds, and 55% for those over 26. The data shows a notable increase in alcohol use prevalence as age increases.
California DMV’s report on DUI arrests by county shows that in LAC, there were 24,642 arrests in 2018, 23,529 the next year, and 17,780 in 2020.
The decreasing trend in DUI arrests suggests potential shifts in factors such as law enforcement strategies or changes in DUI behavior. It could also indicate improvements in measures such as increased availability of designated drivers.
Speak to a Lawyer About Your DUI Charges
You may not have to find court-approved DUI classes near you in Los Angeles if you successfully resolve a drunk driving accusation. An experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer can build your defense against DUI charges.
It is in your best interest to face the charges and the court with a skilled legal representative. Your lawyer will seek to reduce your charges and subsequent DUI penalties, ensure you are treated fairly by the court system, and help you navigate the components of your punishment.
We can help you find a lawyer with the experience and training to handle your needs.
