If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), you already know that a DUI can cost you, even if you’re not convicted. But it won’t just cost you money – it will also cost you time. When you plead or are convicted of DUI, you’re required by Oklahoma Statute to take certain classes during your probation. Here’s what you can expect if you’re wondering what classes you take when you get a DUI in Oklahoma.
How Many DUI Classes Do I Have to Take?
Regardless of whether your DUI is a misdemeanor or a felony, you’re required to take three DUI classes in Oklahoma: a drug and alcohol assessment, a victims impact panel (VIP), and Alcohol and Drug Substance Abuse Courses (ADSAC). Let’s review each of these to answer the question, “What classes do you take when you get a DUI?”
Drug and Alcohol Assessment
A drug and alcohol assessment is the first step you take after a DUI. You can do the assessment before you plead if you want to get ahead and possibly get a better deal.
During a drug and alcohol assessment you’ll be paired with a certified assessor. They’ll ask you to fill out and answer a series of questions, and they’ll also discuss your arrest with you and what happened leading up to your arrest. This meeting is typically in person and can take about an hour and a half to 2 hours. It’s helpful if you bring your ticket or arrest report with you to the assessment.
Many people believe they should downplay their addictions to get a better deal, but it’s important to be honest during your assessment. It’s confidential and will not be seen by the prosecutor on your case. It’s also designed to provide recommendations that will benefit you and help prevent future criminal activity related to drugs or alcohol. Assessors can also recommend free services you can go to for help.
After assessing you, the counselor will recommend a treatment plan. These recommendations will always include a victims impact panel and ADSAC, which you’re required to take by law in the state of Oklahoma. They might also recommend outpatient treatment, residential treatment, or attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings.
There are many drug and alcohol assessment locations available to you, but we recommend ADSAC DUI School. You’ll need to complete these recommendations in order to comply with your probation.
Victims Impact Panel
A victims impact panel (VIP) is a required DUI class for anyone convicted of drunk driving in Oklahoma. The panel is a collection of individuals who have been impacted by drunk driving. During the class, these victims tell their story about how a DUI impacted their life, in an effort to prevent you from driving drunk in the future.
All of these stories look different: You may hear from a mother whose child was killed in a drunk driving accident. You may hear from a man who was a drunk driver that killed someone, and now must live with that guilt. You could hear from a man who was hit by a drunk driver and is now paralyzed. Many panels will include a firefighter or police officer that has worked a drunk driving accident, and deals with the trauma of seeing people severely hurt.
You can complete your VIP anytime after your assessment, either before or after your ADSAC classes. There are many different VIPs in the state of Oklahoma. Some are even offered online. However, if you are court-ordered to participate in a VIP, the court will not accept an online VIP. One popular, court-approved VIP is the Victims Impact Panel of Oklahoma. They provide VIPs multiple times a day all over the state of Oklahoma.
Alcohol and Drug Substance Abuse Courses
When most people wonder “What classes do you take when you get a DUI?,” Alcohol and Drug Substance Abuse Courses (ADSAC) are probably what they’re thinking of. After your assessment, your counselor will recommend how much ADSAC you need to complete. You have to finish the classes within 6 months of your drug and alcohol assessment or you may be required to get another assessment done.
You’ll typically have to attend either 10 hours or 24 hours of ADSAC classes, which they call “interventions.” In some extreme cases, your counselor could even recommend residential treatment in place of the typical 10- or 24-hour ADSAC. This is rare, and doesn’t normally happen on a first or second DUI.
ADSAC classes can look very different depending on where you get your services and what your needs are. It often looks similar to an AA group. You’ll most likely learn coping strategies for trauma outside of self medicating and de-escalation tactics for situations that may lead to increased anger (and therefore increased substance abuse). There are many places you can go for ADSAC services in Oklahoma, but we recommend ADSAC DUI School.
How Much Do DUI Classes Cost?
When it comes to the cost of a DUI, the classes you’re required to take are just a small piece of the pie – but they do still cost you.
- The drug and alcohol assessment fee is approximately $160
- VIPs typically cost about $75
- ADSAC can cost from $175 to $375
For your ADSAC classes and VIP, the cost will depend on your area and the licensed provider you choose. ADSAC also costs more for the longer courses. The assessment fee is set by law.
How Long Are DUI Classes?
The length of your DUI classes depends on what your counselor recommends after your assessment. The VIP is a one-time event that will take about an hour and a half. You might listen to a presentation, then have a group discussion. They’re usually scheduled many times a week, in the evenings on weekdays or mornings on the weekends, so you can find a time that works for you.
However, ADSAC classes can be anywhere from 10 to 24 hours total. The total hours will be broken down over several days or weeks. For example, a typical 10-hour course is broken down into three classes that are just over three hours long, and might be held once or twice a month. A 24-hour course could be broken down into 12 courses that are two hours long and are held once or twice a week.
What Are DUI Classes Like?
DUI classes in Oklahoma are meant to be supportive learning environments. The idea is to provide offenders with coping skills that help them get to the root of their addiction. You’ll work on things like self-awareness and anger management, learning your triggers for substance abuse and how to resist them.
DUI classes are meant to deter you from committing future crimes, so you’ll also hear about some unpleasant topics, especially in your VIP. It’s important to take these classes seriously and face the consequences of your actions head-on so you can avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
What Do I Do Once I’ve Completed All of My Classes?
Each class you complete will provide you with a certificate. After you complete all of your required classes you will get a red stamped sheet that will show you completed the full program. Once you have it, YOU MUST TURN YOUR COMPLETED SLIP INTO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY SUPERVISION OFFICE.
Many people believe that these agencies report the completion to the DA supervision office. This is incorrect; either you or your attorney must turn this completed sheet into the DA supervision office or you will violate your probation.
The Bottom Line
There are many required DUI classes in the state of Oklahoma. Keep in mind that you don’t have to wait until after you’ve entered a plea to begin taking these classes. You can begin taking them at any point, and can use completion as a bargaining tool for a better plea offer. An experienced attorney like the Tulsa DUI Guy can help you navigate the sometimes complex web of court-approved programs and when you should take them to get the best outcome. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.