One of our recent blog postings focused on the classes that can be required in the penalty phase of a DUI conviction. Online or in-person classes can be ordered for the offender, with the length and extent of the classes based on the offense and conviction. Since “drugged driving” is included in Arizona DUI laws, this blog will focus more on the classes required for that offense.
The term “DUI classes” is used most often, as an umbrella term for this type of education. For drug-related offenses, these classes are also called “drug use reduction classes.” To be absolutely literal, “reduction” is not the ideal result of the classes: “elimination” or “never again” is more descriptive. But the importance is to educate, inform, and monitor offenders so that their risky behavior changes to something safer.
As with other DUI courses, drug DUI classes must be court-approved and licensed through the Arizona Department of Health Services. They may be offered in classrooms or online, and the goal is to make the learning as accessible as possible. The classes themselves may cover how drugs affect the body, what exactly the laws regarding drugs are, and there also are classes just about marijuana.
A FAQ is: do drug classes have drug tests? Obviously, not the online classes. And a classroom instructor is not permitted to give drug tests, but if the judge requires drug testing as part of an offender’s sentence, those tests must be taken when and where the court specifies. The classroom is not one of those places, but if an instructor suspects a student is impaired, that student may be reported and required to go for testing right away. That’s an easy lesson: don’t go to class high or stoned.
When classes are completed satisfactorily, the offender receives documentation; failure to “graduate” can add jail time to an offender’s sentence, or revoke parole in some instances.
At Zachary Law Group, we work on our clients’ behalf to establish and protect their legal rights as related to DUI situations. If you need help, please get in touch with us for a FREE 30-minute case evaluation. Together we will find a solution to your legal issues, including finding help for drug-related problems. Bring your questions and we’ll do what we can to “Zach-It”! Don’t wait for your problems to go away by themselves. Take this important first step by calling 1-855-Zach-law.
