Understanding California DUI Programs

At the state and federal level, individuals, community groups and governmental agencies strive to reduce the number of people injured and killed each year by drunk drivers.  Educational campaigns try to get the point across not to drink and drive — ever.

But people drive under the influence (DUI).  Good people who got behind the wheel and find themselves facing charges.  Our law firm works work hard, and often succeeds, in getting charges dismissed or reduced.  But for some, one consequence of arrest is participation in a DUI educational program.  Those programs include:

• Wet reckless: A 12-hour program for those arrested for reckless driving with measureable blood alcohol content (BAC).
• First-time offender: A three-month, 30-hour drug and alcohol counseling program.  A longer course is ordered for first-time offenders with a BAC of .20 or higher.
• 18 month program: Second and repeat offenders complete this program with a 52 hour group counseling component.  And 30-month programs are available for some offenders in certain counties.

In California in 2010, the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs reported the one-year recidivism rate for first time offenders dropped to its lowest level in 20 years.

Maybe it is educational campaigns, or counseling, or maybe people are just learning not to drink and drive.   Whatever the reason — a decline in re-arrests is welcome news.  But whether you were arrested once or again — we provide experienced legal counsel to help you get through it.  If you have questions about DUI, call us.