General DUI Information
I got a DUI… Now what?
The DUI process can be complicated, confusing, and expensive. Here is some general information that we hope will help you get through this process as smoothly as possible.
Temporary Driver's License
Typically, when someone is arrested and charged with a DUI the arresting agency will provide them with a 30 day temporary driver’s license. For most first offenders with a BAC of .08 or higher, the DMV will suspend their driver's license at the end of the 30 day temporary license period and mail a notification of suspension mail letter.
It is important to know that at the end of the 30 day temporary period, your driver's license is automatically suspended, not on the day you receive notification in the mail.
Proof of Enrollment and Proof of Insurance
Most people choose to enroll in the DUI program as soon as possible because the program will provide them with a Proof of Enrollment, which is necessary to obtain a restricted license (if eligible).
Keep in mind that anyone under the age of 21 is not eligible for a restricted license. In addition to needing Proof of Enrollment, you will also need to have served a 30-day hard suspension of your license and request that your insurance company file a SR-22, or Proof of Insurance, with DMV.
Once these three things have been done, most first offenders will be able to obtain a restricted license, allowing them to drive to and from work (as well as during the course of your employment), and to and from the DUI program. Keep in mind that the DMV will charge a re-issuance fee of at least $125.
Multiple Offenders and Temporary Licenses
Multiple offenders who have completed a First Offense DUI program are typically eligible for a restricted license upon completing the first 12 months of their 18-month program and need to request that the DUI program submit a 12 of 18-month Completion Certificate.
Wet and Reckless & Drivers Licenses
Anyone over the age of 21 who has been convicted of Wet and Reckless conviction with a BAC under a .08 will typically not lose their driver’s license but will still need to complete a 12-hour wet and reckless program.
Sometimes, a person who is arrested with a BAC at a .08 or .09 will be charged with a DUI, but have it amended to a Wet and Reckless in court. Though the Wet and Reckless charge is a lesser conviction, it can still be a complicated offense. The DMV and courts are separate agencies who function separately from each other. The DMV considers any offense with BAC of .08 or higher as being a DUI and will still suspend your license, even if the court has amended your offense to a Wet and Reckless. The only exception to this is if you file for a hearing with the DMV and win your DMV hearing.
In the case where your license has been suspended, you have two options. You can take a 12-hour Wet and Reckless program and serve out the full suspension of your license with no driving privileges, or you may take a 3 month first offender program and be eligible to have a restricted license throughout the duration of your suspension. The reasoning behind this is that the DMV does not recognize the 12-hour program because typically when someone is sentenced to that program, they have not lost their license.
So in order for the DUI program to submit a Proof of Enrollment to the DMV so you are eligible for a restricted license, you must take a 3 month program.
Underage DUI Convictions
If you are under the age of 21 the law has a zero tolerance policy for drinking and driving. This means that anyone under 21 with any measurable amount alcohol in their system will be charged. The same rules apply to which program you will need to take based on your blood alcohol level and number of DUIs, however you will not be eligible for a restricted license and your license will be suspended for a minimum of one year.
DUI Orientation Appointment
Before receiving services, a mandatory orientation is held to explain the rules and requirements, assess program fees and determine method of payment. Written notice of all activities, schedules, times and classroom assignments are given to each participant at this time.
Orientations are generally held on Mon and Wed afternoons and you will be required to arrive at 3 pm and stay until 5 pm. To request an orientation date, use our Orientation Date Request Form, or call the ADI office during the listed office hours.
On the date you attend the orientation your Department of Motor Vehicles form is electronically submitted to the DMV allowing you to obtain your restricted drivers license if you are eligible.
Bring one of the following documents to the orientation along with a $200 down payment toward the total program fee:
- Admin per se pink temporary license along with the alcohol level
- Court Order; please be aware if the court has an enrollment deadline
- An H-6 In-house printout from the DMV
- We accept checks, cash, debit or credit cards.