The Role of Alcohol Education Programs After Conviction

Purpose: rehabilitation and risk reduction

California’s DUI programs are state-licensed and supervised by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Their objective is to reduce repeat DUI offenses through education, counseling, and accountability—not just to “check a box.” DHCS overview.

Program lengths by outcome

First offense on probation — The court must order enrollment/completion in a licensed program. Statutes specify:

• 3-month (30 hours) for BAC under 0.20% with education, group counseling, and individual interviews. H&S §11837(c)(1)
• 9-month (60 hours) if BAC is 0.20% or greater or for a test refusal. VC §23538(b)(2)

“Wet reckless” (reduced charge) — Typically requires a 12-hour education program, rather than months of classes. DHCS DUI Programs

Second/subsequent offenses — An 18-month multiple-offender program (52 hours group counseling, 12 hours education, biweekly individual interviews in the first year, and 6 hours re-entry monitoring). Some jurisdictions also run 30-month programs for higher-risk cases. DHCS detail

What you’ll do in the program

• Education: decision-making, pharmacology, and driving risk.
• Group counseling: facilitator-led sessions focused on behavior change.
• Individual interviews: progress checks and compliance monitoring.

Court order vs. DMV action

The court’s program requirement is a criminal probation condition. Separately, DMV can impose an Administrative Per Se suspension/revocation; to challenge it, you generally must request a DMV hearing within 10 days. DMV DUI (APS)

How advocacy affects program length

Defense work doesn’t “shorten” a program once it’s imposed by statute; it changes the conviction outcome—for example, negotiating a reduction to wet reckless (12-hour) instead of a 3- or 9-month DUI track. We align plea posture with program and DMV exposure, then help you enroll with an approved Orange County provider. See: DUI penalties and License suspension.

Costs & financial hardship

Under DHCS rules, programs must offer financial assessments; many participants qualify for reduced payments (as low as $5/month) or extended plans. DHCS: DUI Program Fees

FAQs

Which program will I have to take?

Your conviction and BAC control the length (e.g., 3 or 9 months for first offenders under VC §23538; 12 hours for wet reckless; 18 months for second offenses). See statute and DHCS links above.

Can I take classes online?

Delivery and acceptance vary by court/county/provider. Enroll with a licensed program and follow your court order. DHCS licenses and monitors all DUI programs. DHCS overview

How fast must I act with DMV?

You generally have 10 days from notice to request an APS hearing. DMV DUI (APS)

Talk with Braden & Tucci

We align court strategy, program selection, and DMV defense to minimize downtime and risk. Call (949) 996-0170 or visit caduilaw.com.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and not legal advice. Outcomes depend on facts and jurisdiction. Consult an attorney about your situation.