A DUI conviction can have a significant impact on your life. Because of this, courts sometimes seek other remedies to help reduce the likelihood that you will get another DUI. When you are facing charges, a court may require you to attend an alcohol treatment program.
Many states utilize alcohol education classes to help educate people about substance abuse. FindLaw says that a treatment program usually helps you understand the ways that alcohol can affect your life. You generally work with a counselor to understand the choices that led to your DUI. Additionally, the counselor explains the consequences of these charges and helps you to determine whether you have symptoms of alcohol abuse.
Guidelines for alcohol treatment programs
A court may consider your specific situation to decide what kind of alcohol education program is right for you. Legal officials may take the following factors into account:
- The number of DUIs on your record
- Previous attendance of alcohol education classes
- Injuries sustained by other people because of the incident
A court typically uses these factors to determine how long you need to attend alcohol education classes. You may attend a treatment program for a longer period of time if you have multiple DUIs on your record.
State-specific requirements
If you attend an alcohol treatment program in Kentucky, you have to follow the guidelines laid out by the state. According to the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, there is one program that oversees alcohol education classes. The Driving Under the Influence Program has a list of certified providers. You typically have to work with one of these providers if you want a court to recognize your certificate of completion. Other organizations in your area could offer treatment programs. However, a court may not reinstate your driving privileges if you work with an outside provider. Additionally, you have to attend alcohol education classes in person. The state no longer recognizes online courses.
Attending an alcohol treatment program may sometimes reduce the severity of other court-ordered penalties.