DUI Court Applicant Info
DUI Court Introduction
The Superior Court of California DUI Court program Program is a court-supervised program for multiple DUI offenders who have no violence, drug sales or gang activity in their past. This voluntary program includes comprehensive treatment, supervision and regular court appearances throughout its one year term.
Participants are normally second or third time DUI Offenders charged with misdemeanor offenses which do not include serious injury to any victim. An interested applicant will undergo a screening/assessment by the DUI Court team to insure they are appropriate for the program, will benefit from the treatment and supervision and will not present a risk to themselves or the public.
Once approved for the program, a participant will plead guilty to the DUI Charges, a jail sentence will be stayed and they will begin the supervision and treatment program.
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"…As I type this, I am 81 days sober. Yes, I’m tired from running from bus to bus. I’m tired of talking about myself and my recovery. I’m financially struggling to pay my bills, and I’m building and rebuilding a lot of relationships, but I am SOBER. I’m too tired to drink, I’m too broke to drink and I’m too busy to drink, because of this program ~ and I wouldn’t want it any other way…" |
Treatment
As stated above, each participant receives an individual assessment, and treatment, based on the assessment. The normal course of treatment is outpatient, including weekly one-on-one sessions and group sessions, all will begin with either a licensed therapist (or a master’s level clinician supervised by a licensed therapist), and regular self-help meetings (such as AA , NA, or similar programs). In addition, participants are expected to attend and complete the DMV-mandated multiple alcohol offender educational program (SB-38).
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"…When I received my second DUI it seemed that my world had come crashing down, and I knew it was time to make some serious changes. After spending 2 days in jail it was an enormous wakeup call and an experience I’ll never forget. It was by far a story to tell and a place I want to never visit again…by being tested weekly and attending AA meetings, I have stopped drinking. I feel so much better mentally and physically and even have a clearer outlook on life…" |
Supervision
In order to be successful in treatment, the participants need to be alcohol and drug free. The terms of probation prohibit participants using alcohol or drugs (except approved medications) and living in a home where alcohol and drugs are present. In addition to weekly or biweekly probation contacts, probation supervision is designed to insure compliance with the sobriety requirement of the program.
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"…I truly believe things happen for a reason and only I can make the changes to live a happier healthy life. I am so thankful for this program and feel I have a second chance to turn my life around and live the life I really want and deserve. After a long orientation in the program, I am ready to advance to Phase One and move forward." |
Testing
To insure compliance with the sobriety requirement of the program, participants will receive regular and random tests for drugs and alcohol.
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"Over these last nine months I have been challenged to overcome my hardest endeavor yet. I have been sober 24 days and it has been the hardest experience of my life, they say 'if it does not kill you that it must make you stronger', and yet I am still living…I have experienced so many new things over these last nine months that have changed my outlook completely on life and all of my surroundings. For once, I am seeing things the way they were intended to be seen, not as a drunken blur." |
Court Appearances
Participants return to court at regular intervals for periodic reviews of their success in the program, for phase advancements and to attend DUI Court Graduations.
The DUI Court program is designed to be completed in one year from admittance. Some participants complete in that time period. Some participants who struggle with their sobriety or the rules of the program take longer to reach graduation.
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"…the experience of being involved in the DUI program has been of great personal value to me. It has taught me that life’s changing cycle of experiences comes with personal benefits as well as consequences…" |
