What is Required?

As part of a disposition in a DUI case, the law requires that there be completion of a Drinking Driver Program (DDP Program) licensed pursuant to the Health and Safety Code (California Vehicle Code § 23538, 23542, 23548).

There are similar provisions for DUI where someone other than the driver has been injured (California Vehicle Code § 23152, 23556, 23562, 23568), for the wet reckless (California Vehicle Code § 23103.5).

It is important to note that only licensed providers may offer courses that will satisfy the courts requirements. The typical range of classes is as follows:

6 to 8 week “educational component” course for first time violation of wet reckless provision (California Vehicle Code § 23103/23103.5)

3 month first offender program

6 month program (special circumstance that may be ordered by judge California Vehicle Code § 23578)

9 month high blood alcohol program for high BAC .20 and higher, or second offense wet reckless (within 10 years of prior).

18 month multiple offender class

30 month course for multiple offenders. This class is (California Vehicle Code § 23548/23568), authorized by statute, and may be an excellent option to reduce jail time, however, in reality it is rarely an option in most counties in California.

The rates are set by the County, and they vary. You can get a payment plan in many cases.

I can guide you through the complex laws surrounding this area.

You do not want to take a program that will not satisfy the Court, and you do not want to spend time and money on a program that is more than the minimum necessary for your particular case. In some cases, a class may be necessary for the DMV but not for the court.

Furthermore, it is important in Santa Cruz County to have an experienced local attorney who can secure the required out of county authorizations for those persons who reside in outside of Santa Cruz.

State of California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs Driving-Under-The-Influence Program Directory Of Service Providers

Call (831) 458-1011 To Discuss Retaining Santa Cruz DUI Lawyer
JP Lavallee to Help You With Your DUI Case