Nobody gets a DUI on purpose, but it still happens. It can be a frustrating, and even embarrassing process. There is a lot that needs to get done in the aftermath. You have court dates to attend, fees to pay, classes to take, and a license to get reinstated, on top of everything you normally have to get done. So, what happens if you slip up and miss a class?
If you or a loved one recently got a DUI, you’re not the only one. In fact, In 2021, over 17,000 people in Kentucky were arrested for a DUI. You don’t have to be defined by this one event. You have a life to get back to.
At Altruism Counseling we know it’s important to have access to the resources you need after a DUI. That’s why we provide DUI courses at some of the lowest rates in the state. We want to help you get back to your life as soon as possible while providing you with the tools you need for recovery.
Sometimes, even when you know what you need to do, life gets in the way. If you’ve recently missed a DUI class you are probably concerned about the consequences. So, today we’ll discuss what happens when you miss a DUI class.
Before you start a class you’ll need to receive your DUI assessment from a certified DUI accessor, which can be found at Altruism Counseling. A DUI assessor is someone who has a certification from the state that qualifies them to provide treatment recommendations.
Your assessment will last about an hour. It will give your assessor a chance to decide if 20 hours of DUI education classes, up to 90 days of alcohol and substance use treatment (for your first DUI), or a combination of the two is the best fit for you. If you are arrested for more DUIs during the same 10-year period, the length of time required for treatment will go up to as many as 12 months or more.
If your assessor determines that the class is right for you, you’ll receive 20 hours of psychoeducation through an accredited program or facility.
During your DUI class, the instructor will teach you about the development of alcohol and substance use disorders and what prevention methods could work for you. You’ll also learn about how to make informed decisions about alcohol and substance consumption.
There’s a workbook associated with the class. By completing the workbook, you’ll develop an understanding of the materials presented.
The approved, in-person classes for DUIs in Kentucky are called “Prime for Life (PRI)” classes.
Your certified DUI instructor will present you with a media-rich class about prevention. The classes’ presentations are based on information from over 1,800 research studies conducted over 75 years.
PRI classes are broken up into three different units.
These classes typically take place on Friday evenings, as well as Saturday and Sunday afternoons for two weeks, followed by an additional Friday evening session.
This is designed so that you can keep your usual schedule during business hours while still completing your court-required classes. It is important to keep track of this schedule so that you do not miss classes. Missing classes can result in failing the class and having to retake it to complete the court’s requirements.
You may see online classes advertised when researching DUI classes. Unfortunately, you cannot take an online DUI class to complete your requirements in the state of Kentucky. In the Bluegrass state, all DUI services must be conducted by a certified DUI program provider and licensed Alcohol and Drug Entity (AODE).
Depending on the program you join, attendance requirements differ. It is important to remember that to pass the class, the DUI instructor must certify to the courts that you have completed the course requirements.
So, you’ll need to work with your instructor to ensure that you still get through the material covered in any class that you miss. We recommend that you do not miss any classes if at all possible. Your DUI classes are an integral part of regaining your license and staying in good standing with the court. This isn’t something that should be taken lightly.
If you know in advance that you have a conflict, contact your course instructor and talk to them about what you can do to ensure that you stay on track for completing your DUI course. They may be willing to work with you to come up with alternatives.
If you absolutely have to miss a class, it is your responsibility to work with your instructor to find a way to make up the material you’ve missed and find an alternative. Remember that you cannot pass your class without approval from your instructor.
If you fail to complete your DUI classes, you will have to attend an additional hearing where you could be held in contempt of court. If you are held in contempt of the court, the court is likely to put out a bench warrant.
This can result in its own misdemeanor charge, which will show up on your criminal record. You will have to pay additional fees, face further suspension of your license, and potentially spend time in jail.
If you get another citation after failing to complete your DUI classes or other court requirements, you will face harsher punishments. This could include a felony charge. A felony charge makes it more difficult to find employment and housing, among other concerns. The individual consequences vary based on the case and the judge who handles it.
The best way to avoid these penalties is to complete your DUI classes on time. If you’re enrolled in a class and have missed one or more classes, you should work with your instructor to find make-up classes. You may be able to make up classes during the next set of classes.
When you successfully complete your classes, you are one step closer to getting your license reinstated. You must also complete any additional steps required by the court. This includes paying any remaining fees and waiting out the remainder of your license suspension, which could be 6 months to 60 months depending on the charge and the number of previous DUIs you have received in a 10-year period.
Completing your classes promptly demonstrates to the court that you are taking court orders seriously. This helps if you are looking to apply for a temporary license. For example, a hardship license would allow you to drive during certain times of the day to work, take classes, or receive medical care.
After you’ve completed your classes, you can apply to the Kentucky Interlock Ignition Program (KIIP). This can reduce your license suspension to as little as four months after your first offense. To participate in KIIP, you must obtain a special license and have interlock ignition installed in your vehicle. This special ignition device requires you to pass a breathalyzer and facial recognition test to start your car.
After your first DUI, you can apply for KIIP only after you have completed your education or alcoholism treatment program, and have gone at least 90 days without driving under the influence.
If you or your loved one has gotten a DUI, we understand that it’s a stressful time. There are a lot of details you need to figure out, from paying court fees to taking steps to get your license reinstated.
Taking these classes is a mandated part of the DUI process here in Kentucky. But the classes also allow you to learn more about yourself and where you are on the path toward an alcohol use disorder or another substance use disorder (SUD). Whether your DUI was a one-time mistake or a sign of something bigger, getting the classes you need will help you reclaim your license and your life.
At Altruism Counseling Services, we give you the support to become your best self. That’s why we offer individual counseling to help you get to the root causes of SUD in addition to group counseling. Please call us today at 859-310-6505, or connect via our contact page.
Altruism Counseling Services: Find Yourself.
