Alcohol education courses in Key West are required after arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). The type of course you will need to complete depends on whether or not you have any prior offenses. A knowledgeable DUI defense attorney could answer your questions about courses after an arrest for DUI.
At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, our attorneys understand what is required in the alcohol education courses and could help you navigate the process to complete your course. Contact our team today to discuss your DUI case and begin protecting your rights.
Alcohol education courses are mandatory, state-licensed programs for those who have been arrested for DUI in Key West. You typically participate in these classes in person. Courses include classroom instruction with lectures, videos, and group discussions. Psychosocial evaluations are completed, and referrals to treatment programs may be made if necessary.
DUI programs must be licensed through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to qualify as an approved program. To register for a class, you must provide your driver’s license number, an arrest report or citation number, and your blood alcohol test results or a refusal affidavit if you did not agree to complete the blood alcohol test.
In Key West, there are two types of alcohol education courses. Level I courses are available for first-time offenders and require a minimum of 12 hours of in-person, interactive classroom instruction. Additionally, one hour of face-to-face psychosocial evaluation must be completed. The course focuses on DUI laws and the impact of using drugs and alcohol.
Level II courses are offered to individuals with multiple offenses. The class involves a minimum of 21 hours in a group setting and a one-hour psychosocial evaluation. The average class size is 15 people to encourage group discussions in an interactive setting. The course focuses on substance abuse issues, behavioral changes, and the impacts of driving under the influence.
If you are required to take an alcohol education course after a DUI arrest in Key West, it is important to complete it on time. Failing to do so can have significant consequences. If you do not complete the class within 12 months, you may be found in contempt of court, and your license will immediately be canceled until you finish the course. A probation violation is a direct violation of the probation terms and can result in an arrest warrant being issued. Additional jail time may be imposed if the class is not completed. Therefore, it is important to complete your course within the designated time to avoid further penalties.
Those arrested for DUI must complete mandatory alcohol education courses in Key West. You must ensure that you are taking a state-approved course at the correct level to meet the requirements to have your license reinstated.
The experienced attorneys at Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC help people who have been charged with crimes, including DUIs. We understand that the criminal justice process can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help. If you have been arrested for a DUI, contact our team today to discuss your case.
