It has become common practice for the court to require someone convicted of driving under the influence to attend and complete a DUI alcohol/drug education program. Many people are unaware that the length of the education program depends on whether the conviction is a minor under 21 with a DUI charge, wet reckless charge, or a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge.
The length of the program also depends on the blood alcohol content alleged in the complaint and whether it is a first-time offense.
If you are a minor convicted of a first-time misdemeanor DUI charge, you will likely be required to attend AB 803. AB 803 is a 12 hour course. You will have to take a two hour course each week for six weeks.
If you have been convicted of a first-time wet reckless charge, you will likely be required to attend SB 1176. SB 1176 is also a 12 hour program in which you must attend a two hour course each week for six weeks.
If you have been convicted of a first-time driving under the influence charge and your blood alcohol content was 0.08% to 0.14%, you will likely be required to attend the most popular DUI education program: AB 541. AB 541 is a 30 hour course that will be attended over 3 months.
If you have been convicted of a first-time driving under the influence charge and your BAC was 0.15% to 0.19%, you will likely be required to attend AB 762. AB 762 is a six month program, usually to be attended once a week for 2 hours.
If you have been convicted of a first-time driving under the influence charge and your BAC was 0.2% or greater, you will likely be required to attend AB 1353. AB 1353 is a nine-month program, consisting of 60 class hours.
If you have been convicted of a second DUI, you will likely be required to SB 38. SB 38 is an 18-month program.
If you have been convicted of a second-time DUI with an exceptionally high BAC or have been convicted of more than two DUIs and are convicted in Los Angeles County or Stanislaus County, you may be required to attend SB 1365. This is a 30-month program that is only offered in these counties.
It should be noted that the court’s decision to require a defendant to any particular program is discretionary depending on the individual circumstances of each case. For example, if your BAC was a 0.10% but you caused collision, the judge may require you to attend AB 762 (6 month program) instead of AB 541 (3 month program).
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