One of the first steps you need to complete after a DUI is DUI screening; a face-to-face interview carried out by a behavioral health technician or substance use professional. Once convicted, your judge can mandate you to take a DUI education class.
In several states, judges will require DUI offenders to attend DUI classes. These classes are also called DUI alcohol education and treatment programs. If required to attend a DUI class, you will pay for the classes out of your pocket.
DUI Education Classes: 5 Important Takeaways
Typically DUI classes are short programs designed to highlight the dangers of driving under the influence. Several states have mandatory alcohol education requirements, among other penalties for offenders.
Attending the education program may be required by the DUI court or your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). However, voluntary attendance can also be very beneficial so consider asking your lawyer about enrolling.
Length of DUI education classes can vary, however, the lessons taught are often identical. Below are some of the things you are likely to learn from your DUI class:
1. How to Make Better Decisions
DUI education classes often emphasize the importance of creating better life decisions and avoiding future situations that would lead to another DUI incident. Students are also given various scenarios and are guided on the correct and responsible choice for each.
Learning how to make better decisions can also help DUI offenders avoid situations where they can become a danger to themselves and others.
2. How to Drink Responsibly
Understandably, DUI classes will not condone drinking. However, it is often assumed that people will engage in alcohol use now and then. With that in mind, students are taught about responsible drinking.
For instance, they are taught to always have a back-up plan so they won’t have to drive while under the influence. It is also highly likely that students are informed about the dangers of binge drinking.
3. How to Identify Their Triggers
DUI classes will also help students determine the possible reasons they abuse alcohol and the likely triggers that drive them to drink. Once they can accurately identify their triggers, they are taught how to avoid those triggers effectively.
4. The Importance of Surrounding Themselves with the Right People
More often than not, people who have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol (or other intoxicants) are taught to take stock of their lives and the people they surround themselves with. It is also likely that students are taught to assess their social circle and eliminate bad influences.
While unfortunate to note, many people make bad decisions when surrounded by people who enable them and encourage their risky behaviors. People who want to manage their drinking need to surround themselves with the people who can positively influence them and who will help them make responsible decisions.
5. The Grave Repercussions of Future DUI Offenses
One of the primary lessons taught in all DUI education classes is that driving while intoxicated is very dangerous and can result in severe injuries and even death.
It is also likely that students will hear testimonials from people who have lost loved ones, friends, and significant others to drunk drivers.
Students may also hear from individuals convicted of DUI and learn how their recklessness wholly altered their lives. Students will also learn that any DUI offenses in the future that results in the demise of another person can result in murder charges.
Conclusion
DUI convictions have grave ramifications that can last for years. Even after you’ve paid the fines or served time in jail, your conviction can still undermine your future opportunities and haunt you for years.
DUI classes exist to educate offenders about the severe and long-term consequences of DUI, so they’ll think twice the next time they are impaired and get behind the wheel.