Georgia DUI School Requirements

DUI/DWI Education Programs and Requirements in Georgia

In Georgia, accountability courts in counties like Cherokee, Gwinnett, and Cobb operate on a "Phase" system. If you've been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Georgia, you may be required to complete a DUI/DWI education program. These programs are designed to educate offenders about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, as well as the consequences of impaired driving. The specific requirements and types of programs available depend on various factors, including the number of prior offenses and the court's discretion.

Program Requirements

Whether or not you will be required to attend DUI school in Georgia depends on the circumstances of your case. Here’s a general overview:

• First Offense: Even for a first DUI offense, the court can order DUI school.

• Repeat Offenses: For second and subsequent DUI offenses, participation in a DUI Risk Reduction Program is almost always mandated. Prosecutors will often refuse to reduce charges unless the defendant agrees to a period of SCRAM monitoring and/or DUI education.

• Aggravating Circumstances: DUI cases involving high BAC levels (typically 0.15 or higher), child endangerment (children in the car), or accidents with serious injuries will almost invariably result in a requirement to complete a DUI education program as part of the sentencing or probation conditions.

State-Approved Programs

Georgia refers to DUI education programs as DUI Risk Reduction Programs. Some commonly available programs include:

• DUI Risk Reduction Course: This is a standard 20-hour course covering alcohol and drug awareness, Georgia's DUI laws, and the impact of impaired driving.

• Accountability Courts (DUI Courts): DUI Courts in counties like Cherokee, Gwinnett, and Cobb operate on a "Phase" system. Phase 1 (Assessment & Stabilization) lasting at least 90 days, focuses on breaking the cycle of addiction. SCRAM is frequently mandatory during this phase to ensure the participant is sober enough to engage in treatment. Sanctions might also include community service or "flash incarceration" (24-48 hours in jail) or restarting the current program phase.

• MADD Victim Impact Panel (VIP): Often assigned as a supplement to the standard DUI Risk Reduction Course, this panel provides participants with firsthand accounts from victims of drunk driving accidents.

Program Duration

The duration of the required DUI education program depends on the specific program and the court's order. A typical probation condition requires 60 to 120 days of monitoring.

• DUI Risk Reduction Course: The standard DUI Risk Reduction Course typically involves a minimum of 20 hours of instruction.

• Accountability Courts: These specialized court tracks can require participation in a phased program that lasts much longer, sometimes up to a year or more, with regular treatment sessions, check-ins, and monitoring. Phase 1 in DUI Court can last at least 90 days.

Costs

The cost of DUI/DWI education programs in Georgia varies depending on the provider and the type of program.

• DUI Risk Reduction Course: The fees for the 20-hour DUI Risk Reduction Course typically range from $360.

• Accountability Courts: DUI Courts explicitly mandate SCRAM or electronic monitoring at the onset of the program at the participant's expense. Financial hardship is a common argument for early removal from SCRAM.

Completion Deadlines

The deadline for completing the DUI education program is usually set by the court as part of the sentencing or probation conditions.

• Pre-Trial: If the DUI education program is a condition of pre-trial release (bond), the court may require completion before the case goes to trial.

• Probation: If the DUI education program is a condition of probation, the offender must complete the program within the specified timeframe, usually within the first year of probation.

Consequences of Non-Completion

Failing to complete the DUI/DWI education program within the specified timeframe can result in serious consequences.

• Probation Revocation: The judge can revoke the balance of the probation. For a "special condition" violation like drinking, the judge can revoke the entire remaining sentence to jail, whereas technical violations are capped at 2 years. A probation officer may petition the court to modify the terms of probation to add SCRAM if a probationer fails a random urine screen or admits to struggling with sobriety.

• Jail Time: The court may impose additional jail time or extend the period of probation.

• License Suspension: Failing to complete the DUI education program can result in an extension of the driver's license suspension period.

If you are facing a DUI charge, consult with an attorney immediately.

For example, you might contact A 2nd Chance Monitoring for SCRAM installation services.