- Arizona requires completion of alcohol education programs as a condition of DUI sentencing.sucht image by Dron from Fotolia.com
An Arizona DUI charge is a criminal offense usually penalized by fines, jail time or both. In addition to those penalties, most people convicted of a DUI in Arizona are court ordered to attend continuing education programs to learn more about alcohol, driving and the impact drunk driving has on others. - Court-ordered attendance of an alcohol awareness class may be required as part of the DUI sentence or can be recommended by a judge to reduce mandatory jail time. Required education hours are based on the outcome of court-ordered alcohol screening, and generally range from 16 to 36 total hours. Attendance at the classes is mandatory, and curriculum covers the effects of alcohol on the body and brain, the addiction cycle and self-assessment activities. Courses are often presented in a group format. The program usually includes two eight-hour weekend classes and additional two-hour evening classes as needed to satisfy the court-ordered number of hours. Fees for the education program vary based on provider and required hours.
- Based on the specific DUI circumstances, a judge may require an offender to attend a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Panel. The panel is a two-hour presentation where survivors and families of victims killed by drunk drivers share their stories. The presentation is intended to educate the offender about the innocent people affected by DUI crimes. Attendees are welcome to bring guests at no additional charge, but panel content can include graphic depictions of accident scenes, so children are not permitted to attend. Panel fees were $40 in 2010.
- DUI sentencing in Arizona results in at least eight points added to the offender's driving record. Any drivers with eight or more points accumulated in a 12-month period are required to attend Traffic Survival School (TSS) to reduce the points on their record. TSS is a one-day, eight-hour class that reviews good driving habits. The class reviews Arizona traffic laws, driving responsibilities and safe driving tips. TSS is mandatory for anyone who wants to keep his or her license, because eight or more points on one's driving record also results in license suspension. In 2010, fees were $50 for advance registration and $75 for payment on the day of class.
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