A School For Those Convicted Of DUI
If you have been ordered to go to DUI school, you are probably less than thrilled. You may feel it isn’t the most effective use of your time. Perhaps you worry about having to take time off work to go. If you don’t have your driving privileges at the moment, you might wonder, somewhat ironically, how you’re supposed to get there. Unfortunately, driving under the influence classes are part of a post-DUI life.
Common Questions About DUI Classes
If you are convicted of a DUI in Chicago, you can expect that you will be attending some sort of driver’s education class related to driving under the influence. Common questions concerning DUI classes include:
- Are these classes mandatory? Yes, these classes are ordered by the court when you are convicted of driving under the influence. The length of time that you will be required to go depends on the level of your DUI (misdemeanor or felony), and whether this is your first offense, or your second or subsequent offense.
A drug and alcohol evaluation will be completed by a professional counselor or administrator before you begin your class. Based on the findings during the evaluation, you will be referred to one of the following four levels of classes:
Level I — Minimal risk. You will be required to take the DUI Risk Education class.
Level II — Moderate risk. 10 hours of DUI Risk Education and 12 hours of early intervention classes.
Level III — Significant risk. 10 hours of DUI Risk Education and 20 hours of treatment classes.
Level IV — High risk. You will be required to attend 75 hours of individualized treatment classes.
- Why do I have to go? The state of Illinois is concerned with reducing drunk driving and the injuries and deaths that accompany it. One way of doing that is educating someone who has been convicted of driving under the influence. The classes will help you understand more about driving under the influence and the effect it has on a community.
- Do I have to pay for them? Yes, you will be required to pay the costs associated with the classes. If you are indigent, there is funding available to reduce the cost.
- What do they cost? The cost is based on the clinic you choose and the number of sessions you are required to attend.
- What happens if I don’t go? You could find yourself in jail! These classes are generally required of people who are on court supervision or probation as an alternative to a jail sentence. Failure to attend could revoke that agreement, and you could be sentenced to the maximum amount of time allowable for your conviction.
