Driving under the influence
Getting charged with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) can be a very scary experience. You may wonder what your friends and family will think. You may wonder whether you will lose your license and for how long. You may wonder about fines, probation, or even whether you'll face jail time. You need to remember that drinking and driving is never acceptable, but also know that you are not the first person to make such a mistake. The State of Connecticut has a diversionary program called The Alcohol Education Program or "AEP," which is available to some people. A person is not eligible for the program if theywere in the program within the last ten years, or have had a conviction for manslaughter with a motor vehicle, assault 2 with a motor vehicle, or have take program in any other state.
The program consists of attending 10 or 15 alcohol education classes. A program evaluator determines the number of classes you will be required to take. The classes meet once a week for one and one half (1-1/2) hours. You will be required to cooperate with the program and attend all classes. If you successfully complete the program, the charge of DUI will be dismissed and there will be no conviction on your record. However, failure to cooperate with the program will result in your case being returned to court for further prosecution and possible conviction for DUI, which could include incarceration.
The fees associated with AEP are $150.00 for the initial evaluation, and then $325.00 for the program if you are required to take 10 classes, or $500 if you are required to take 15 classes. You can be given time to pay these fees, if you are not financially able to do so immediately.
You need to know that even if you take AEP, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has its own administrative penalties for DUI arrests separate from the Courts. Your license will likely be suspended by the DMV, but your entry into the program can be delayed until your license is restored by the DMV.
If you are facing a DUI, call Attorney Morris to see if you are eligible for AEP and to help you handle your DUI arrest.
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