Drivers convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) generally have to take DUI classes. You may wonder if you can take California DUI classes online to save time. You cannot take fully online classes to satisfy the court’s requirements.
California has historically disallowed online programs for DUI education. However, the state eased some restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. You may now complete portions of your DUI classes online, but only if the program meets all licensing requirements.
You can learn more about online and in-person classes with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer. We can answer your questions when you call or complete our online contact form.
Can You Take Some of Your DUI Classes Online?
You may take advantage of some online classes after a DUI conviction in some cases. You must take classes approved by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to meet court requirements. The DHCS does not license fully online DUI education programs.
However, the DHCS does allow for virtual services by DUI programs. Examples of services that you may attend online include:
- Educational classes
- Telehealth sessions tied to educational classes
- Group counseling
Many people find online classes more convenient than in-person classes, so you may want to check their availability in a program after a DUI conviction.
Online DUI Classes Must Follow All State Regulations
You may attend an online class or counseling as part of your DUI education program. These online programs have to adhere to all regulations in the state, including rules on:
- The length of each class (one to two hours)
- The number of participants for educational programs (no more than 35)
- The number of participants for group counseling (no more than 15)
- Usage of an attendance sheet
The program provider must follow all these regulations, or DHCS will withdraw its approval.
What Do You Have to Do if You Take Online DUI Classes?
If you join an online program for alcohol classes, you’ll need to log in promptly for all meetings and remain engaged throughout class, avoiding potential distractions. You will have to keep your camera on during the class or meeting.
The court expects you to put in the same effort as you would for in-person classes. Failure to meet all program requirements means the DUI school may refuse to grant you credit for completing the course.
Do You Have to Show the Court You Enrolled?
In order to enroll in these DUI school programs, you will need to present your court order or a driver’s license suspension notice from your local DMV.
For many individuals, the judge will require proof of enrollment in your respective class within 21 days of sentencing. All providers will send these certificates to the DMV and the courts on your behalf. You may require an official certificate of completion to move forward after a conviction.
How Long Do You Spend in DUI School?
The length of DUI school will typically vary depending on each driver’s offense. DUI school is ordered by the courts when a driver is convicted of or has pleaded guilty to driving under the influence, driving with a previous DUI offense, or driving with a blood alcohol count of %0.08 or greater.
However, the specific length of time will solely depend on the specifics of your case. You may need to complete:
A 12-Hour DUI Program
Generally, you have to complete a 12-hour DUI program if you took a wet reckless plea bargain or faced charges for underage drinking.
A Three-Month DUI Program
Drivers charged with a DUI who had a blood alcohol content (BAC) level under 0.20% may have to complete a three-month DUI program, with some classes in person.
A Nine-Month DUI Program
Drivers with a blood alcohol level over 0.20% at the time of their arrest may need to enroll in a nine-month state-licensed DUI program.
An 18-Month DUI Program
Drivers convicted of a second DUI offense within 10 years may need to complete an 18-month learning program. This program includes drug and alcohol education, six hours of community monitoring, and bi-weekly interviews.
A 30-Month DUI Program
You’ll need to complete a 30-month program if you have multiple DUI convictions. Within this program, you must complete 78 hours of group counseling, 12 hours of alcohol and drug education, 120-300 hours of community service, and attend regular interviews.
What Does DUI School Teach Those Convicted of DUIs?
Many of the programs for those convicted with DUIs include education and counseling aspects. Generally, the counseling will be in a group setting, but more extensive courses may require individual counseling.
In terms of the education in this course, a DUI school will focus solely on drug abuse and problem drinking. Typically, a class could consist of watching videos, group discussions, or live lectures.
You can learn more about what types of education programs you’ll have to go to for a DUI in California with a legal team. Due to the extent of the education aspect these programs offer, taking DUI classes online in California isn’t realistic.
What You Will Pay for a DUI School Program
How much are DUI classes in California? The cost will vary by the location where you are enrolled. For example, here are some cost calculations for DUI schools in California:
- A 12-hour program will cost around $270
- A three-month program will cost about $850
- A nine-month program will cost close to $1,850
- An 18-month program will cost anywhere from $1,900 to $2,600
- A complete 30-month program costs roughly $3,000
A down payment of $350 will be required for all programs when enrolling. However, these prices are subject to change based on the area and type of course needed.
Notifying the Courts When You Have Completed DUI Classes
Upon completing your required classes, you must show the courts that you have completed the course by a specific date. The coordinator of your course will provide you with a certificate of completion that you can present to the courts.
The coordinators will consider attendance in conjunction with understanding the course material, making it imperative that classes be held in person. If you are hoping to take DUI classes fully online in California, you won’t be able to complete the recommended requirements.
Note that you may face other DUI penalties after a conviction, including jail time, the loss of driving privileges, and fines. A defense attorney can help you face these charges and may help you avoid these penalties.
Learn More About Online DUI Classes
Can you take California DUI classes online? You can’t complete the entire class online, but you may have a chance to complete some meetings and classes over the computer to regain your driving privileges.
You can learn more about your options when you call or complete our online contact form.
