DUI Penalties: DUI School

Contact a DUI Lawyer in Tampa, Florida

When a driver is convicted of driving under the influence, he or she will need to complete DUI school in order to receive a hardship license or to have his or her driver's license reinstated. There are different levels of DUI school, taught by state-certified DUI instructors. The course may contain lectures, class discussions, handouts and videos as well as a one hour psychological evaluation interview conducted by a certified professional. Treatment from a psychological evaluation at DUI school may not be waived unless a court appointed agency with access to the original evaluation makes a supporting psychological evaluation.

The Bureau of Driver Education and DUI Programs provides a list of licensed Florida programs for DUI school in the event that you are convicted of a DUI. There are 26 licensed programs in the state of Florida who exist to inform about drunk driving. These institutions can also provide psychosocial evaluations, referral services and fulfill driver licensing requirements. There are two levels of DUI school. Those who are first-time offenders complete Level 1 school and those who are repeat offenders complete Level 2 school. Level 1 courses usually require a 12 hour minimum classroom time while Level 2 usually includes a minimum of 21 hours of classroom time.

DUI school should not be confused with rehabilitation services. If you are charged with a DUI you may be required to attend mandatory drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment. The severity of your case as well as your alcohol abuse history will factor into the decision for alcohol rehabilitation programs and how many hours must be completed. During rehabilitation, as opposed to attending DUI school, you will be given a physical examination as well as become monitored so that you can properly detox and live without alcohol consumption. Drunk driving charges are incredibly serious which is exactly why the state of Florida has these types of programs in place.

DUI School Requirements

• First DUI Conviction (180 day to 1 year): must complete DUI school before receiving a hardship license.
• Second DUI Conviction within 5 years or third conviction within 10 years (5 to 10 year revocation): must wait 2 years to apply for a hardship license and must complete DUI school to apply.
• DUI Manslaughter(No Priors): may be able to apply for a hardship license after 5 years; must complete DUI school to apply.

If a defendant waits until the license revocation period expires, he or she must still enroll in DUI school and pass driver license examinations in order to receive a new driver's license. If the defendant fails to complete DUI school within 90 days of his or her license reinstatement, this will result in the cancelation of his or her license until school is completed.

Importance of Working with a Tampa DUI Attorney

There are a number of serious penalties associated with convictions for drunk driving. A driver in Tampa may face imprisonment, license suspension, fines and court fees and much more, not to mention increased insurance costs. All of this can significantly change your life, and working with a DUI defense attorney is the best way to potentially avoid a conviction and all of these penalties. At Thomas & Paulk, we can help you get the justice that you deserve after you have been charged with a DUI. Our firm will do whatever it takes to see that your charges get dismissed or lessened so that you are not wrongfully punished. Our firm has the experience and professionalism to know what it takes to get these results, so if you have been charged with a DUI then speak with a Tampa DUI attorney from our firm today.

For a confidential review of your charges and to learn more about the services we offer, contact a Tampa DUI lawyer at our law offices at your earliest convenience. We are here to help you in this important matter.