Attending DUI school, also known as the Florida DUI program, is a requirement for all individuals charged with a DUI who want to attempt to get a hardship license. Here are 9 things to know about DUI school in Jacksonville.
#1 There are different classes based on the type of DUI charge against you.
DUI school has two classes. The Level I class is for first time DUI offenders and Level II is for people with multiple DUIs. Level I is 12 hours of classroom work and Level II is 21 hours of classroom work.
#2 DUI school may be required even if you were not charged with a DUI.
If you are caught with an open container, or even if your DUI charges were reduced to reckless driving, you may still be required to take the Level I class at the DUI school.
#3 Out of state driving offenses may require you to take the Level I class.
If you were convicted of a driving offense out of state the State of Florida, the Courts or the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, may require you to attend the Level I class to ensure your driver’s license remains in good standing.
#4 DUI School Costs
Level I classes cost $259 and Level II classes cost $399. As per the Northeast Florida Safety Council website, fees include “Class & Evaluation Initial Enrollment, Driving Record, Assessment Testing, and State Assessment Fee.”
#5 You must take a DUI class within the county where you live or work.
There is only one DUI school approved for Duval County residents and that is offered through the Northeast Florida Safety Council. All DUI classes must be completed with this organization.
#6 You may still have to go to DUI school even if your DUI charges were dropped.
When you are charged with a DUI, you have to oblige by and adhere to two different governmental entities: The State of Florida Courts and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Even if The State of Florida Courts drop the charges against you, you still may need to protect your driver’s license if you were not granted a hardship license in your Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Hearing.
#7 Failure to take and pass the class may result in your driver’s license being suspended for one year.
If you fail to take or pass your required class within the 90 day timeframe allowed by the DHSMV, this will be reported to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and may result in your driver’s license being suspended for one year.
#8 DUI School also includes a psychological evaluation and treatment referral services
The DUI school includes education, psychological evaluation and referral for treatment services. The DUI program cannot be used in lieu of treatment services. If treatment is recommended, it must be completed in order to stay in good standing with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the State of Florida Courts. If your driver’s license was suspended as a result of a DUI conviction, you will likely have to show proof of DUI program completion to obtain your driver’s license again. It is also recommended that you are able to show proof of course registration, or preferably have completed the course at the time you have your Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Hearing.
#9 October 1st of every year the DUI program fees change.
As per the Northeast Florida Safety Council, “All DUI Program fees are regulated by the DHSMV and are subject to change on October 1 each year. Call the nearest NEFSC office or 1-888-399-1233 or 904-399-3119 for any updates to fees, registration hours, and class schedules.” You can also go to https://www.nefsc.org/driver/fees.asp for more information.
Have you been charged with a DUI in Jacksonville? The sooner you call a Jacksonville DUI attorney, the better chance you will have in having the DUI charges against you lessened or dropped. Call The Lonker Law Group, Jacksonville’s DUI Attorney’s today for a free DUI case evaluation!
Received a DUI in Jacksonville? Educating yourself is critical. Read more about what to do if charged with a DUI in Jacksonville.
