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Court-approved programs, requirements, and costs
In Colorado, a DUI arrest triggers a complex legal process, and often, mandatory alcohol education or therapy is a critical component of regaining driving privileges and satisfying court requirements. This guide provides a detailed overview of DUI school and related alcohol education programs in Colorado, covering requirements, costs, providers, and the steps you need to take to comply.
Following a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) arrest in Colorado, the court or the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) typically mandates participation in a Level II Alcohol and Drug Education and Therapy program. This requirement applies to both first-time offenders and repeat offenders, although the specific program length varies based on the circumstances of the case, including Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and prior offenses. Even if you are granted a diversion program or probation, completing Level II Education and Therapy is often a condition of fulfilling those requirements.
It's crucial to understand that if your DUI arrest also resulted in a violation reported to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, such as for commercial drivers (CDL holders), you will likely also need to complete a separate Return-to-Duty (RTD) process guided by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). While there may be some overlap, the SAP requirements are distinct from the state's Level II requirements.
The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) OwnPath Directory is the definitive resource for locating state-approved DUI education and therapy providers. This directory allows you to search for licensed facilities in specific locations throughout Colorado, including Pueblo, Greeley, and other cities. Ensure that any program you choose is listed in the BHA OwnPath Directory to guarantee it meets state standards.
For commercial drivers needing a SAP, resources like SAPlist.com and American Substance Abuse Professionals, Inc. (go2asap.com) can help you find a DOT-qualified SAP in Colorado.
Colorado's Level II Education and Therapy program is structured to address the underlying issues contributing to impaired driving. The program consists of two main components:
It's essential to attend all scheduled sessions and actively participate in the program to successfully complete the requirements. Failure to do so can result in license revocation or probation violation.
The cost of DUI school in Colorado varies depending on the provider and the required therapy track. However, you can expect to pay for both the education and therapy components. Contact the provider directly for specific pricing information.
Many state-approved providers offer both in-person and online Level II Education and Therapy programs. The availability of online programs provides flexibility and convenience, especially for individuals with busy schedules or those residing in remote areas. However, it's crucial to ensure that the online program is fully approved by the Colorado BHA and meets all state requirements.
Successfully completing Level II Education and Therapy is a crucial step in the license reinstatement process in Colorado. After completing the program, the provider will issue a certificate of completion, which you must submit to the DMV.
In addition to completing DUI school, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle as a condition of license reinstatement. The length of time you are required to have the interlock device installed depends on the number of prior offenses and BAC at the time of arrest.
Failing to complete Level II Education and Therapy can have serious consequences, including:
It's crucial to take the DUI school requirement seriously and complete the program in a timely manner to avoid these consequences.
If you are an out-of-state resident arrested for DUI in Colorado, you are still subject to Colorado's DUI laws and requirements. This means you may be required to complete Level II Education and Therapy in Colorado, even if you reside in another state. In some cases, the court may allow you to complete a similar program in your home state, but you must obtain prior approval from the Colorado court.
For commercial drivers, a DUI arrest can trigger both state-level DUI requirements and federal DOT Return-to-Duty (RTD) requirements. The DOT RTD process involves evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), who will prescribe a course of education and/or treatment.
It's crucial to communicate with both your Level II provider and your SAP to explore whether any hours can be "double counted" towards both requirements, although the SAP has the final say.
After completing the SAP-prescribed education or treatment, commercial drivers must undergo a Return-to-Duty (RTD) drug test. This test is unique because it requires direct observation, meaning a collection site observer of the same gender must physically watch the urine leave the body to prevent tampering. Collection sites like Quest Diagnostics, Concentra, Fastest Labs, and ProCom Testing generally support observed collections.
**Q: What happens if I move out of Colorado before completing DUI school?*A: You must obtain permission from the Colorado court to complete a similar program in your new state of residence. The program must meet Colorado's standards, and you will need to provide documentation to the court.
**Q: Can I choose any DUI school I want?*A: No, you must choose a program that is licensed and approved by the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). Use the BHA OwnPath Directory to find approved providers.
**Q: How long do I have to complete DUI school?*A: The court will set a deadline for completing DUI school as part of your sentence or probation conditions. It's crucial to meet this deadline to avoid penalties.
**Q: Will my insurance cover the cost of DUI school?*A: In most cases, insurance does not cover the cost of DUI school. You are typically responsible for paying the full cost of the program. However, some providers may offer payment plans or financial assistance.
This information is general guidance only. DUI school requirements vary by case and jurisdiction. Always verify your specific requirements with your attorney, probation officer, or the court.