Understanding Your Sentence: DUI Classes

Mandatory DUI Classes as a Penalty

Many individuals who have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) must undergo mandatory classes as part of their sentence. These mandatory classes can be costly and time consuming. You may be required to take DUI classes in order to receive or maintain your driver’s license.

How Long Do You Have to Take DUI Classes in California?

There are two types of DUI classes that you may be required to take:

• Informational – 6 sessions (1 class per week)
• Counseling – Longer sessions (Up to 30 months)

The longer classes will take on the nature of an AA meeting. You will receive counseling on alcoholism, even if no such problem actually exists. Kern County currently has two locations for DUI classes. It will be your responsibility to sign up for a class and show up to participate.

How Is The Type Of DUI Classes Determined?

Some of the factors that the court will consider include, but are not limited to:

• Number of prior DUI convictions or other drug or alcohol-related offenses (if any)
• Aggravating factors (for example, was there a collision, passengers, etc)
• Blood Alcohol Content or drug level
• Driving history

---

How Much Do DUI Classes Cost?

The cost of DUI classes will vary depending on the factors of the sentence, but can range from about $300 to $3,000.

Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous Meetings

As a completely separate penalty from DUI classes, some individuals convicted of DUI are required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings in cases where alcohol was involved, or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings if it was a drug DUI.

There is not a pre-determined number of classes that the court will require a person to attend; it will just depend on the specifics of each case. Even if the convicted party does not have an alcohol or drug problem, these meetings may still be imposed as a punishment.

Where to Turn After Facing the Penalties of a DUI

Keep in mind that your sentence is not always set in stone - even if you may think that your case is hopeless or indefensible. A skilled Bakersfield DUI attorney may be able to negotiate your sentence and help you fight toward the best possible outcome.

Even in those cases where a dismissal or reduction is not possible, there is still a wide range of potential outcomes that can be imposed, and it is vital to your future to fight for the best possible scenario.

At Campbell Whitten, we know that there is no “one-size fits all” approach that can be taken to defend a DUI charge. For that reason, we want to provide you with the information you need and build a defense that fits the unique aspects of your case.