A conviction for a driving under the influence (DUI) or driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration (DUAC) charge carries not only criminal penalties such as prison time and fines, but many other penalties as well. Among them is a requirement to attend an alcohol education course. These classes are designed to help individuals deal with alcohol and substance abuse issues. If you miss or fail to complete this requirement, you ability to lawfully operate a motor vehicle in South Carolina will be impacted. Call a skilled DUI attorney in the area now to learn more about this requirement.

What are Substance Abuse Education Courses?

Many different private sector classes are available in the area. These Beaufort courses offer not only education on alcohol use and abuse, but help in dealing with other substances as well. The government run Alcohol Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) is offered in every county in South Carolina, but enrollment in this program is limited to those individuals convicted of DUI or DUAC, or found to be in violation of the state’s Implied Consent law. Substance abuse education classes other than ADSAP are often used by knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys after an arrest to ensure the best possible final result. These educational programs are used before a case is resolved to build up mitigation.

In most of the private sector classes, participants are scheduled for a particular number of sessions depending on that individual’s initial assessment.  In the ADSAP class, the defendant participates in individual and group counseling sessions with the number of sessions required depending on an initial assessment that takes into account past convictions and other aspects of the defendant’s personal history regarding substance abuse, which might include information about their drinking habits, potential addictions, and criminal history.

Classes Before or without a Conviction

Other courses besides ADSAP also exist for those ineligible for it because they are not convicted or found in violation of South Carolina’s Implied Consent law. These classes in Beaufort, typically privately owned and funded, offer alcohol educational courses on a voluntary basis or as the result of a court order. The materials and function of the course is similar to ADSAP in that there is substance abuse education and discussion built into the program’s curriculum.

Victim Impact Panels in Beaufort

Victim impact panels are a program established by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) organization. These are typically two-and-a-half to three-hour classes designed to educate Beaufort residents about the dangers of excessive drinking and operating a vehicle. They may also address other types of intoxicated driving, such as a Drug DUI.

These panels may or may not be required as part of a plea deal or sentence. However, a panel may be advised to a defendant to show a judge or prosecutor that they want to better themselves and that they regret their actions. This may help avoid a conviction or result in a lesser sentence.

Choose an Alcohol Education Course in Beaufort Today

The requirements of the court can often be tricky to follow, as they can be complicated or poorly worded. Your dedicated attorney could help you navigate these terms and guide you through the legal process.

For a consultation on alcohol education courses in Beaufort and your particular requirements, contact our office today.