If you’ve been charged and convicted for driving under the influence, you may be mandated to take DUI classes by the presiding judge.

People who are arrested for drunk driving (especially first-time offenders) are often ordered to undergo DUI education by attending in-person classes or sessions online.

Although taking DUI classes is better than serving time in jail, here’s what you can expect.

Who Needs DUI Classes?

In most states, judges order DUI offenders to take DUI classes. While some states refer to DUI classes as DUI alcohol education and treatment programs, they are the same.

If your judge mandates DUI classes, they are compulsory. To ensure you face the consequences of your actions, you will also have to pay for the classes yourself – which can be costly depending on how many lessons you need to complete your training.

If your work or home environment makes it difficult for you to attend DUI classes in person, you can take Online DUI Classes.

Why Are DUI Classes Required?

In many states, DUI classes are an alternative to harsher sentences because they teach the safety risks of driving under the influence. When the court offers DUI classes instead of conviction, you are also being given an opportunity to learn how to control your substance abuse.

The court doesn’t want to see repeat offenders – they would rather educate you to make better choices in the future.

How Long Are DUI Classes?

How long you have to take DUI classes will depend on three main factors.

One of the factors that will influence the length of your classes is the severity of your DUI. If your blood-alcohol count was on the lower side and you did not cause harm to property or another person, your judge might be more lenient and only mandate a few classes.

In certain situations, you may have to take a DUI assessment. A DUI assessment will help the judge determine the severity of your drug or alcohol problem and how many classes you need.

Another factor that will affect how long you have to take DUI classes is your history. If, for instance, you have a prior history of alcohol abuse, the judge may take this into account and mandate a longer course.

And, finally, your judge’s personal stance and bias may affect the length of your DUI course. If your judge takes a strong stance against drinking and driving, they may order you to complete a longer DUI course.

What You Can Expect to Learn

The purpose of a DUI course is to educate people on the dangers of driving under the influence, help them acknowledge their substance abuse, and encourage them to get it under control.

Some of the things you’ll learn about include drinking responsibly, identifying the triggers of substance abuse, how drugs and alcohol affect your driving ability, and the serious consequences of DUI offenses in the future.

Many people enroll in DUI classes to get their driver’s license reinstated and comply with the judge’s ruling, but anyone may sign up for DUI classes.