In California, DUI classes can cost between $200 and $3,000. The fee is based on the length of the class, the school, the severity of the DUI, and where the offense occurred.
The state regulates DUI offender programs, which are usually mandatory for people convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Participating in these educational sessions can help reduce your sentence.
If you take your classes before your court dates, a lawyer can use them to negotiate a plea deal and avoid jail time. If you have been arrested for DUI, reach out to an experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer so you understand your rights.
Typical Costs Associated With DUI Classes in California
DUI classes are not only a considerable time commitment but can also be a major expense. California has more than 200 DUI class providers licensed by the Department of Health Care Services, and each DUI school program charges different program fees.
On average, the expected fees usually fall into the following ranges:
- 12-Hour DUI Program = $200 – $300
- Three-Month DUI Program = $450 – $550
- Six-Month DUI Program = $750 – $950
- Nine-Month Program = $1,000 – $1,250
- 18-Month Program = $1,550 – $1,750
- 30-month program = As much as $3,000
A skilled DUI lawyer can explain the charges and provide options for your defense. They can also discuss when and if you should enroll in a DUI class and what to expect from the program.
Who Pays the Cost of DUI Classes in California?
The state requires that you pay out-of-pocket for the costs of your California DUI classes. The providers ask for down payments at enrollment, and the offender generally covers the expense. Some providers offer fee waivers or reductions in certain cases of financial hardship.
What Is a DUI Class in California?
In California, someone convicted of alcohol or drug-related driving offenses faces potential penalties like:
- Fines
- License suspensions
- Jail time
- Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) or personal breathalyzers
However, your penalties are not limited to these. Drivers with DUI convictions are often required to attend months of mandatory DUI classes. These DUI programs can be court-ordered by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
What Happens In a DUI Class?
Usually, DUI classes intend to teach drivers convicted of DUI about the dangers of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Attendees are taught California’s DUI laws, and the effects of drug abuse and problematic drinking are explained.
Program requirements include:
- Lectures
- Group discussions
- Presentations
- Videos
Along with education, a DUI program also provides counseling programs for substance abuse. The counseling can happen in groups or individual interviews. Sobriety is mandatory during classes, and failing to remain sober often results in expulsion from the program.
Who Is Required to Take California DUI Classes?
You can be required to participate in a DUI class when you have been convicted of several driving offenses, including:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)
- DUI with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher
- Underage DUI with a BAC of 0.05 percent or higher
- A plea bargain for a lesser charge or a wet reckless plea bargain
- Any other driving offense related to alcohol or drugs
The court typically orders someone charged with any of these offenses and who submits a guilty plea or pleads no contest/nolo contendere to attend a DUI program. A skilled attorney can help you understand what California DUI penalties to expect after a conviction.
How Long Is a DUI Class in California?
There are several types of programs. The duration of some DUI programs is only 12 hours. The most severe DUI case can receive 30 months of classes. The severity and duration of the required participation are determined by the nature of the driving offense, BAC, and where the arrest and subsequent conviction occurred.
12-Hour DUI Program
This usually results after a plea bargain for lesser charges (wet reckless) for a first-time offender. A 12-hour program may also apply to minors under 21 who are first-time offenders, and it is broken into weekly two-hour DUI classes over six weeks.
Three-Month DUI Program
This program is the most common, resulting from a first DUI conviction when the blood alcohol concentration is below 0.15% percent. Often, a term of probation for alcohol and drug DUIs consists of counseling and education in 10-15 classes over three months.
Six-Month DUI Program
This program is the second most common, resulting from a BAC between 0.15 and 0.19% on the first conviction. Often a term of probation for alcohol and drug DUIs, sessions consist of 45 hours of alcohol and drug education classes, accompanied by group and individual counseling sessions.
Nine-Month DUI Program
These may result from a BAC over 0.20% or the refusal of a chemical test after an arrest. These classes typically consist of 60 hours of education and counseling over nine months.
18-Month or 30-Month DUI Programs
These longer court-ordered programs are intended for multiple offenders. Two or more DUI or wet reckless convictions within a 10-year period will result in the extended attendance of a longer DUI program, and classes include 70-90 hours of education and counseling.
Individuals with multiple DUI convictions most commonly receive an 18-month DUI program. A 30-month program is typically reserved for repeat offenders with extremely high blood alcohol levels. Hours of community service usually accompany the education and counseling programs.
Can I Take California DUI Classes Online?
Under some circumstances, California DUI classes have been offered online, but typically, classes consist of in-person sessions. If any time is missed, it has to be made up to complete the course. Frequently missing classes will result in termination from the program.
Failure to complete a court-ordered DUI program can have serious repercussions. Because it is seen as defying a court order, bench warrants could be issued for arrest. In some cases, an initial license suspension may be reinstated or extended.
Contact a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer for Help
The cost of DUI classes in California ranges between $200 and $3,000, depending on factors like location, the severity of the violation, and the school. If you are court-ordered to attend DUI classes, they are mandatory.
Just because you have been arrested on a DUI charge does not always mean you will face a conviction or jail time. A Los Angeles drunk driving defense attorney can help navigate even the most complicated case.
Contact a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles to protect your rights, determine the best options for your case, and build the strongest possible defense.
