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    The Role of Alcohol Education Programs in Orange County DUI Sentencing

    Posted on: October 23rd, 2024 by Dod Law

    DUI Programs in Orange County

    DUI Programs in Orange County

    California’s Driving Under the Influence Programs strive to relieve the strain placed on the state’s criminal system by providing parties accused of DUIs with alternative means of addressing alcohol dependencies. These programs also reduce the number of repeat offenses, ensuring that Orange County residents are safer on the road.  Learn more about DUI Programs in Orange County.

    There’s more than one type of Alcohol Education Program available to parties accused of DUIs. Interested parties can work with criminal defense attorneys to posit these programs as alternatives to criminal sentences. Our team at Dod Law is here to support your needs. 

    Breaking Down Alcohol Education Programs by Type

    There are several types of Alcohol Education Programs available in California. Some of these programs vary based on who can attend them. For example:

    • Juvenile programs: These are explicitly available for minors accused of driving under the influence. Most of the time, minors may participate in juvenile Alcohol Education Programs as part of their probation and as an alternative to jail time.
    • Behavioral Health Training Services: These serve people arrested for driving under the influence with blood alcohol levels (BAC) below the legal limit. These programs are also available to drivers arrested for DUIs between the ages of 18 and 20.

    Qualifying parties can meet with experienced criminal defense attorneys to determine whether or not these educational programs may supplement jail time in a final conviction. Our team can advocate for young people to participate in these programs after a first or repeat offense.

    Breaking Down Alcohol Education Programs By Length

    More severe Alcohol Education Programs tend to break down by length. Some of the most common programs include the following:

    • 3-month programs are ideal programs for first-time offenders with low-level BACs. The programs often include group counseling and alcohol awareness lectures.
    • 6-month programs are ideal for first-time offenders with higher BACs. 
    • 9-month programs are programs for first-time offenders with dangerously high BACs. These programs require a minimum of 65 hours of alcohol education partnered with one-on-one counseling and group sessions.
    • 12-month programs are “enhanced” first-time offender programs that build on the lessons established in shorter sessions.
    • 18-month programs are programs for participants with multiple DUI convictions. These programs require up to 52 hours of group counseling, as well as individual interviews and community re-entry monitoring.

    Notably, Orange County can customize each of these programs to suit a specific person’s offenses. For example, someone charged with a DUI may have to undergo a 12-month alcohol education program on top of mandatory community service, fines, or even temporary imprisonment.

    Alcohol Education Programs as Alternatives to Jail Time | DUI Programs in Orange County

    The state of California wants parties arrested for DUIs to enter into alcohol education programs because the programs serve as an alternative to jail time. Not only do participants have the opportunity to re-enter society faster than their peers in prison, but they may do so with a greater understanding of their impact on society.

    Moreover, the programs relieve the stress of California’s jails. Program participants receive more individualized care and treatment designed to limit their likelihood of committing another DUI offense.

    Defending Against Wrongful DUI Charges With Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys

    If you’re struggling with a recent DUI charge, don’t panic. There are ways to challenge the charges brought against you. Attorney Dod and criminal defense lawyers can cultivate a defense that highlights any violations of your rights or misinterpretations of your bio-data at the time of your arrest.

    It’s our responsibility to fight to see the charges brought against you reduced or dropped. An alcohol education program may be the compromise you need to return to work and your home life faster than you would otherwise.

    Discuss the Value of Alcohol Education Programs Today | DUI Programs in Orange County

    If you’re struggling to challenge DUI charges, consider asking a criminal defense attorney what place an Alcohol Education Program may have in your case. Attorney Dod can recommend an Alcohol Education Program as an alternative to a jail sentence, thereby reducing your risk of facing prolonged imprisonment.

    You can also count on Attorney Dod to champion your fight to have the DUI charges brought against you reduced or dropped.  Contact us at our Santa Ana, Orange County office 949-681-7020 | San Diego office (619) 814-5110 | Vista office 760-814-6025 | or schedule an appointment by filling out our online contact form.

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    Meet Attorney Dod Ghassemkhani

    • Recent Case Results
    • San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association | Named San Diego County’s 2023 Trial Lawyer Of The Year
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