What You Need to Know Before Taking An Online DUI Class

If you're feeling nervous about attending a DUI education program, you are not alone! Many people are anxious and have questions when they are ordered to attend these DUI classes or DWI classes. The good news is there is always someone else who has been where you are and has gotten through it.

Although the curriculum and demands of online DUI classes vary by state, having a basic knowledge of what to anticipate from DUI classes may help you feel more confident about what to expect and what you need to do

What Is the Difference Between DUI and DWI?

The term "DUI" stands for driving under the influence, while "DWI" refers to either driving while intoxicated or driving while impaired. Depending on the state where the incident took place, the terms might have distinct meanings or they could be referring to the same violation. Regardless, both DUI and DWI imply that a motorist is being prosecuted for a severe crime that put themselves and others in danger.

Driving while intoxicated, commonly known as DWI, refers to operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit. The same goes for driving under the influence (DUI) in cases involving alcohol. However, when an individual is charged with being under the influence of substances aside from alcohol (such as prescription or recreational drugs), they can only be charged with a DUI.

The terms DUI and DWI are used interchangeably in some states to describe being intoxicated. Some state laws refer to drunk driving as a DUI, while others use the term DWI. It's a good idea to double-check the state's definitions where you live.

What Does It Take to Complete a DUI Online Class?

The type of DUI classes you are required to take vary depending on the severity of your crime. There could be more extensive conditions if you have a minor under 21 with a DUI conviction, a wet reckless charge, or a misdemeanor driving while intoxicated charge. Some people, for example, may only be required to complete a test. Individuals who have obtained a restricted or limited driver's license are frequently among these groups.

The length of the program also depends on how much alcohol was in your blood when you were arrested and if it was a first-time or repeat offense. The following are examples of DUI convictions, as well as the requirement for each:

First-Time Offenders

A person who is convicted of their first DUI offense must complete a state-licensed three-month, 30-hour alcohol and drug education and rehabilitation program. A first DUI conviction with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.20 or higher requires a nine-month, 60-hour alcohol and drug education and counseling certificate program approved by the state.

Wet Reckless Driving Offender

A person who has been convicted of reckless driving while under the influence of alcohol must complete a twelve-hour DUI education course at a licensed online DUI school.

Second and Subsequent DUI Offenders

A DUI offender's second or subsequent conviction is ordered to go through a lengthy DUI program that lasts for 18 months. This certificate program also has the following conditions: a minimum of 12 hours of alcohol and drug education, 6 hours of community reentry monitoring, and biweekly individual interviews for the first 12 months.

Third and Subsequent DUI Offenders

A county may choose to offer 30-month onsite or online DUI classes to third and subsequent DUI offenders. The minimum court requirements are 78 hours of group therapy; 12 hours of alcohol education; 120-300 hours of community service; and routine and frequent individual interviews.

It is worth noting, however, that a court's decision to require a defendant to attend any particular program is at the discretion of the judge in each case. While there are several online DUI schools to choose from, not all of them offer court-approved courses. If you enroll in a course that the court does not recognize, you must repeat it if you want to avoid having to pay another fine. This takes time and money away from you. It's essential that you enroll in a course that the court accepts the first time.

What Will You Learn in a DUI Class Online?

The DUI education program offers lectures, group discussions, and videos about the state's DUI laws. The instructor also will encourage DUI drivers to identify any drug or alcohol abuse problems they might have through therapy sessions. These sessions may be attended in-person or online for those who cannot make it to one of these events physically.

The objective of DUI training is to educate people on the risks of drunk driving or driving under the influence and help them come to terms with their substance or alcohol abuse issues. The goal is for them to be able to manage their issues and make better decisions. You will pick up a lot of information from DUI school if you attend regularly. Some of the things you're likely to learn include:

Consequences of DUI Offenses

DUI classes are designed to educate students on the risks associated with driving under the influence. This could include jail time, fines, community service, and any other possible outcome of getting DUI charges. You will learn about the specific laws within the state where you live and what you can expect after your conviction.

Students could also be exposed to a free victim impact panel. This is when individuals who have been convicted of a DUI will discuss how their irresponsibility ruined their lives. Students will learn that any future DUI convictions that result in the death of another person may come with murder charges. 

Surrounding Yourself With the Right People

In our society, it's no secret that alcohol is a popular means to celebrate, commiserate, or dull the pain of life. But what happens when someone has been convicted of DUI? In most cases, they are taught about how their actions affect not only themselves, but also those around them – including friends, family, and community members.

They're also taught to consider the people they come into contact with regularly. Sadly, many people make poor judgments when surrounded by individuals who protect and encourage them in their harmful behaviors.

People who wish to moderate their drinking should surround themselves with individuals who can positively impact them and assist them in making the right decisions. It's conceivable that DUI students are educated to evaluate their social circle and eliminate negative influences.

How to Make Better Decisions

DUI education classes help people learn how to make better decisions in the future so they don't drive under the influence and get a DUI charge again. Teachers might conduct role-play exercises or cooperative learning projects with their students.

Students are presented with a variety of scenarios and instructed on the appropriate and lawful response for each. Learning how to make better judgments can help DUI offenders avoid endangering themselves and others.

Drinking Responsibly

There's no doubt that DUI awareness courses will instill in you the notion that it's never okay to endanger others as a drunk driver. However, this doesn't mean that you can't ever drink alcohol again. These online DUI classes can help teach you to drink without becoming a hazard.

Drinking can be done responsibly. Many people have the misconception that DUIs only happen when you are blackout drunk, but just one drink can impair your senses and cause your reaction time to slow. If you are driving, be sure to only have one or two drinks and make sure you eat or wait a long period of time before getting behind the wheel. Even then, you might be too impaired to drive. The best thing to do is to either not drink at all if you are driving or plan for alternate transportation, whether that be a taxi, a friend, a bus, etc. Drinking responsibly is the key to not getting a DUI and not endangering your fellow citizens.

On the other hand, if you are a heavy drinker or engage in substance abuse, you might want to examine your habits. This is where DUI education courses come in to assist. They'll help analyze your relationship with drugs and alcohol so you can make the right decision for you about drinking. It might be beneficial to stop drinking altogether.

Why You Should Take an Online Course Through NM Online

NM Online has put together access to online DUI/DWI classes that can be taken at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The courses are designed for participants who have busy schedules and are unable to attend sessions in person. They're available at your convenience!

These online courses can be taken on a computer, smartphone, or tablet – whatever you prefer. You can now take your studies on the go with our innovative online platform. All you need is internet access, a quiet place to study, and some time! Your work will be automatically saved so you can start and stop whenever works for your schedule.

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