The Georgia DUI, Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program
In order to have your license reinstated in Georgia, "DUI School" is required if you have been convicted of driving a vehicle (or boat) under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
August 17, 2012
If you have been convicted in Georgia of an alcohol or drug related driving or boating offense, and had your license revoked, you must complete a DUI, Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction (DRR) course before you can have your license reinstated.The program is regulated by the Georgia Department of Driver Services, but the courses are administered by independent, state-certified "DUI schools."
DRR Convictions
The DRR programs are required for those convicted of:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Possession of illegal drugs
- Underage possession of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle
- Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
The DRR program consists of two components, an assessment and an intervention. The assessment is a 130-question "comprehensive adult assessment instrument." This questionnaire is used to assess the individual's drug or alcohol use.
The intervention portion is a 20-hour course that takes multiple days to complete. This is done in a group setting, and is designed to offer "therapeutic education and peer group counseling" about the effect of drugs and alcohol use on driving. These courses have strict attendance policies and the DRR course currently costs $292.
More Than One Conviction?
If you have been convicted of two or more DUI in the last 10 years, in addition to completing a DRR, you will need to provide evidence of having completed a state-approved clinical evaluation to reinstate your suspended Georgia driver's license or driving privileges.
A clinical evaluation is performed by a state-approved professional evaluator who is certified by the state in the field of addiction. The evaluation is used to diagnose any substance-related disorder. The evaluator can recommend a treatment program if they determine there is a substance-related disorder.
Given the cost and time required for these programs (if you miss a class, you generally have to begin again, paying the full fee), if you have been charged with a DUI, you will want to consult an experience DUI attorney to help determine if you have a viable defense.
Article provided by Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C.
Visit us at www.georgia-criminal-defense.com