Stay Safe This Holiday Season With An Online DUI Class

Tonight is New Years Eve, a celebration when millions of people across the U.S. will drink up. While many people drink alcohol responsibly, meaning consuming a drink or two throughout the evening, binge drinking or drinking until intoxicated is also commonplace. Nationally, New Years Eve ranks as the worst time for alcohol-related traffic deaths. In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, between 2000 and 2010, 42% of the approximately 4,700 traffic fatalities that occurred over the New Years holiday were due to driving under the influence of alcohol.

Keep in mind that although you may not “feel” drunk, alcohol consumption slows reaction time and decision-making skills. Important critical driving skills like braking and steering and avoiding obstacles become impaired when the blood alcohol content level reaches .08 percent.

People tend to drink that last toast of champagne and then get behind the wheel because they think they will be safe enough for their short drive home. Or, they think they won’t be caught. Remember however, that tonight of all nights there will be an increased police presence on the streets and they will aggressively be looking for drunken drivers on the roads. And, many cities will have an increase in checkpoints set up. Authorities are also warning to be especially cautious because of the weather. Light snow is expected to fall in some parts of the country and the roads will be icy.

If you are caught for a DUI this holiday season, you will generally be court ordered to take an alcohol awareness education class or DUI class as part of your punishment. Your life is about to get more difficult due to all the repercussions of this offense. Do yourself a favor and ask the judge if he will approve an online DUI class. High quality classes that are designed by licensed and practicing therapists and educational experts in the field are now readily available for consumers to benefit from. Online classes provide all the same information that one would find in a traditional bricks and mortar classroom, but save you the grief of having to meet a certain classroom time across town.

Online DUI classes can be taken from the convenience of your own home from a web-based computer device, whenever your personal schedule allows. The client simply enrolls in the class and then it is available 24/7 to login and out of whenever the client has time. This way, the client doesn’t need to miss any work or school to complete the class. The course can be fit in for 20 minutes during a lunch hour, or if the client wants to get a 12-hour DUI class behind him, he can sit and take it in one day. The great thing is that it’s completely up to you! At the end of the course, the client will be expected to pass a multiple-choice final exam with a 70% or better. Upon successful completion, an official Certificate of Completion is sent to you. This is what is presented to the judge to prove the requirement was fulfilled.

Do your best to skip the drinking and driving this New Years Eve. Either have a sober designated driver or take a taxi to avoid the potential of getting a DUI or even worse, hurting yourself or those around you. However, if you do make this mistake, taking an online DUI class to fulfill court requirements is definitely the way to go!

Alcohol and Drug Awareness Classes Are Available Online For DUI Offenders

DUI statistics during the holidays are rather sobering. According to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD), alcohol is blamed for 52% of fatal collisions on Christmas and 57% on New Years, compared to 41% on other days of the year. It is predicted that there will be more than 1,200 alcohol-related deaths during this time period and the CDC estimates that more than 25,000 people will be injured.

Since MADD was founded in 1980, the number of drunk driving deaths has decreased by 50%, but the numbers are still daunting. In the continuing attempt to curb these unnecessary tragedies, the National Safety Board just made the recommendation last week that DUI laws are toughened up in all 50 states by requiring ignition interlock systems be installed in the car of every first-time offender! There are currently only 17 states that require this preventive measure. MADD is also working hard in the state of Texas to get this law passed now. An ignition interlock device disables the car if the driver has any alcohol on their breath. And, the San Antonio Police Department is also asking Texas lawmakers to allow permanent DUI checkpoints across the state to help cut down on dangerous drivers.

The most reasonable solution to this issue is to not drink and drive! Remember that the average person metabolizes alcohol at the rate of about one drink per hour. The faster you drink, the faster the alcohol accumulates in the body which results in high BAC levels. The only thing that can truly sober you up is time. Drinking coffee, exercising or cold showers don’t really work. MADD suggests that during the holiday party-going season everyone designate a sober driver before going out for the evening (not after everyone has had a couple drinks). If you are a host, never serve anyone under 21 years of age, include non-alcoholic drinks on your menu and stop serving alcohol 1 hour prior to the end of the party.

If you do get caught driving under the influence this holiday season, your life will change dramatically. Expect your license to be suspended for a period of time, huge legal fees for lawyers to represent to you, fines, community service work and enrollment in alcohol education classes to be levied your way. All of this will keep you busy and most likely interfere with the amount of time you are putting into work, school or family life. One way to lighten the load a bit is to take your court mandated DUI class online instead of in a classroom. Quality online alcohol education classes are available in lengths ranging from 8 – 24 hours. First get approval for a distance learning class from your judge. Then it is easy to enroll in a class from any web-based computer and you are on your way to completing your requirement. Once you enroll, you can finish the class at your own pace. If you have an upcoming deadline, you can spend the entire weekend learning the material. Upon successfully passing the multiple-choice final exam with a 70% or better, a Certificate of Completion will be mailed out to you. This certificate is the official proof you need to show the court system that you fulfilled the requirement. So, if you become a DUI offender and find yourself in the position of needing to take an alcohol class, take it online today!

24 Hour Online DUI Classes Are Available To Fulfill Court Mandates

High profile DUI accidents and arrests within the sports industry continue to be a serious problem. This past Saturday, Josh Brent of the Dallas Cowboys was charged with intoxication manslaughter after speeding and crashing on an Irving, Texas state highway. His car flipped at least once, killing teammate Jerry Brown. This is a sad event, and the 2^nd DUI for Brent. In 2009, Brent was sentenced to two years probation and 60 days in the Champaign, Illinois County jail. He was released after serving half that time and resumed his football career. There is no question that the legal repercussions from this horrible accident, aside from his own personal issues, will be severe since he will now be a two-time offender and manslaughter is involved.

In the state of Texas, manslaughter, or in this case, intoxication manslaughter, is the act of accidentally causing someone’s death with your car due to drunk driving and is a second-degree felony. Intoxication assault is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, a prison sentence of anywhere from 2-20 years, and 240 – 800 hours of community service. The judge can also order alcohol and drug education classes for rehabilitation purposes. These types of classes have become part of the protocol nationwide as jurisdictions realize that jail time is not enough for DUI offenders. It is necessary to educate these individuals with alcohol awareness education to help stop the behavior.

Sports players are under a lot of pressure to perform for their team, and to make a great deal of money. This stress often translates into nights of hard partying. Examples like this recent 100% preventable accident reinforce the need for players and everyone who is planning on drinking while away from home, to hire a designated driver, bring along a sober friend or call a taxi instead of getting behind the wheel! In fact, the NFLPA even operates a safe ride program that is advertised on the back of every union card.

A 24 Hour Level 3 Drug & Alcohol Awareness Class is one of educating Brent as to how and he can overcome this high-risk behavior. Unfortunately, he has already realized the worst possible scenario for the immediate repercussions of drinking and driving. Classes will teach him about the health risks involved to the brain, central nervous system and body, and how his alcoholic behavior affects other family members. For example, he may not realize how unreliable, unstable and unfocused he had become. High quality programs also teach ways to stop the behavior through improving communication skills, skills in stress management and confidence building techniques.

The most convenient and simple way to take an alcohol education class is to take it online. Look for a course that is has a BBB rating of A+, offers a 100% guarantee, and is designed by an expert in the field with the appropriate drug and alcohol credentials. Prior to taking the class, ask your court for approval to make sure they accept distance-learning classes. More and more legal systems across the country are accepting them because they understand how difficult it is to get a pre-scheduled traditional class held at a building site. Online classes enable clients to stay at home and privately focus on healing and their own behavioral change. They also offer flexibility as they are available 24/7, so the offender doesn’t need to miss any more work or school to attend.

Take an online alcohol and drug awareness today to fulfill your court mandate or for self-improvement purposes to avoid finding yourself in a tragic situation.

For Faster Results Take A DUI Class Online

Getting a DUI conviction is no walk in the park. This type of charge is taken extremely seriously in all 50 states and rarely are even first time offenders let off lightly. One can expect a license suspension and criminal court proceedings. This adds up to money spent on fines, lawyers and transportation costs as well as money lost from missed work time. Then the DUI sentence could include jail time, community service and mandatory alcohol and drug education classes.

Some jurisdictions also require that an ignition interlock devices be installed in your vehicle as well. This is also at a cost to you.

DUI convictions can also cause complete turmoil in your personal life. First of all, you may not be able to drive anywhere for a period of time, and you will end up with at least a misdemeanor on your record. If you have prior convictions or hurt anyone, you can end up with a felony charge on your record.

If all of this news isn’t enough to scare you into thinking before drinking, then also take into consideration that future employers may not be thrilled to hire someone with a DUI on their record. And, last but not least, your car insurance is going to skyrocket. Automobile companies will now consider you to be high risk and some may cancel your policy even if you’ve been in good standing for many years. Then you will be forced to purchase insurance through a high-risk insurer and it will cost the big bucks.

So now that you’ve read about all these punishments, the one shred of silver lining that an offender can do for herself post DUI conviction is to fulfill her court mandated alcohol education class online. Taking a class online allows the client the convenience of sitting at a computer, or with a laptop or Ipad, in the comfort of her own home. Absolutely nothing needs to be printed out or downloaded so you don’t have to be hooked up to a printer. Furthermore, this ability takes away the stress of having to meet a school’s predetermined schedule and the worry of actually getting there.

Online DUI courses are available online to fulfill court mandates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Always check first to make sure that your particular jurisdiction accepts distance-learning classes. If so, they are easy to follow and can generally be finished faster than going to a weekly class. For example, if you are going to court in less than a week and need to accomplish a 20 Hour Alcohol Awareness Class, it can be completed in one weekend. Or, you can spread out the learning an hour a night for 3 weeks. At the end of the course, a Certificate of Completion will immediately be sent out to you. This document shows your successful completion of the DUI class program and is what you present to the court. Taking a DUI class online rather than in a classroom is one of the few things you can do to help avoid more stress during this otherwise very difficult time.

Take A DUI Class Online If You're Caught At A Sobriety Checkpoint

Approximately 17,000 people die and half a million are injured every year from an alcohol-related crashes. That's one death every half hour. Years of research shows that the best ways to chip away at this number are high-profile enforcement efforts, especially regularly conducted DUI checkpoints. Now that the holiday season is officially upon us, take note that DUI checkpoints are enforced in 38 states. If you haven’t run into one yet, a sobriety checkpoint is a temporary installation that is used by local law enforcement to find drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. In many instances, the local police department will post ahead of time where exactly they will be setting up shop. However, most drivers come up on them unexpectedly either late at night or early in the morning when the highest percentage of impaired drivers is on the road. Here is what you can expect if you come up on a DUI checkpoint:

1) You will come upon a blocked area of the road that is surrounded by police vehicles and is brightly lit.

2) The area should be highly publicized as to what it is. If you can turn around legally, you are allowed to do so.

3) The officer will look into your eyes, talk to you and listen for slurring, and analyze your sobriety.

4) You will be asked to show your registration and license. The officer will be watching your actions to see if you are fumbling or calm.

5) The officer may ask to search your car.

6) You might be ordered out of your vehicle and asked to perform a field sobriety test.

7) You might be asked to take a breath alcohol test to determine BAC levels.

If you are drunk driving, you can expect that law enforcement will enforce the law to its fullest. If you’re not, the stop is fast and you are on your way. Studies show that sobriety checkpoints reduce alcohol-related crashes and fatalities by 18-24%. These successful results are encouraging and show that they definitely deter people from drinking and driving.

If you have been caught for DUI at a sobriety checkpoint, expect the same treatment that you would if you were pulled over on the road. Your car will be confiscated, you will spend some time in jail, court dates will be set and you’ll need an attorney. A first-time DUI conviction will include fines, community service and alcohol education classes.

At this point, ask your court for approval to take a DUI Class online. Taking a class online rather than in a classroom will offer you a multitude of benefits. First of all, you can take the class at home from any Internet based device like an Ipad, laptop or PC. Once you register, the class is available immediately and a 12 Hour DUI Class Online can be finished in one weekend if you want to get it over with, instead of having to show up at a classroom once a week for 8 weeks. Clients save time, stress and the embarrassment of having to participate in a public environment. Quality classes designed by a licensed and practicing therapist will include the same current information the client would learn from a traditional classroom, so there is no need to worry about content. An online DUI class is the best, most efficient way to fulfill this court mandated requirement.

Online DUI Classes Will Fulfill Thanksgiving Day Offenses In Many States

The happiest hour often turns out to be the grimmest, and Thanksgiving is no exception! Thanksgiving is a time of year in which we get together with family and celebrate what we have. However, many individuals find it to be a stressful day in which they are thrown together with people they may not like, and issues they don’t want to address. Often this combination causes alcohol consumption. In fact, the Thanksgiving holiday has proven to be the deadliest day of the year on the roads. There were annual averages of 572 thanksgiving holiday deaths on U.S. highways between the year 1998 and 2008. Further research shows that more than 40% of fatal automobile accidents relate to alcohol, someone is hurt in an accident related to alcohol every 2 minutes and more alcohol-related accidents occur during the night. Still thinking that it will be all right to drink at your Thanksgiving Day feast and then get behind the wheel? You might think that the big meal will help balance out the alcohol reaction. Remember, first time offenders are convicted in around two-thirds of DUI cases, and over a third of fatal traffic accidents usually involve at least one individual whose BAC exceeds 0.08%. In other words, drinking and driving rarely works out as planned, and judges do not tend to be lenient regarding this offense.

We can promise that police officers will be out in full force on this upcoming holiday. Checkpoints will certainly be set up in random places around cities. You might think that you can navigate your way around them by taking side streets but law enforcement is also aware of this tactic.

If you are caught for a DUI this holiday season, part of your punishment will be to take an alcohol awareness or DUI class. Judges across the country understand that education is the best prevention. For your convenience, online DUI classes are properly designed to satisfy the requirements of probation, courts, DMV, and employers. Taking an online DUI class is a great opportunity for individuals to complete their DUI course at their preferred pace and in the comfort of their own home. Online classes are usually less expensive than traditional schools because there are no extra costs associated with archetypal classroom supplies, hiring staff, paying rent for building space and the additional cost of gas and parking for those commuting. Students can easily view the entire course on the screen of their laptop, Ipad or PC and scroll through it whenever it works out in their personal schedule.

Find a quality course that has a 100% guarantee. In some states, online classes are prohibited from court orders, so be sure to check with your legal system prior to enrolling in the class. Once enrolled, you can be confident that all your class participation and personal information is kept confidential and unshared.

Online classes will help you to avoid extreme weather conditions, balance your classes with work, school and family commitments, and enjoy flexibility in managing how long you will devote to the education in each sitting. You can log in and out as many times as necessary until the course is completed so if you have to leave to go run an errand, no problem. The classes are also offered with both full time call support and email support, enabling you to get much-needed help when you need it.

At the end of the course, a final examination is issued. With a 70% or better, you are done! And, you can retake the final until you get this passing grade. Then an official document called a Certificate of Completion is mailed directly to you. Show this to your legal system and the requirement is behind you. You will find an online DUI class to be enriching, interesting and educational. Taking a course will help prevent future dui issues as it will give you the insight as to why you should never drink and drive again!

Take A DUI Class Online For Thanksgiving Weekend DUI Offenses

With the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend coming up next week, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is cautioning drivers to plan ahead for a safe ride home if they’re going to be drinking at the Thanksgiving meal. Most people aren’t aware that Thanksgiving in 2010 was actually the deadliest day of that entire year. In fact, the proportion of people killed in drunk driving accidents increased 30% compared to the rest of the year. And, the number of drunk driving deaths increased from 140 in 2009 to 174 in 2010 on that one particular holiday.

These reports are extremely serious because the numbers are going up rather than down. MADD is kicking off the holiday season with their annual Tie One On For Safety campaign in reference to a time of year when some choose to drink too much alcohol to celebrate. They ask that drivers display a red ribbon on their cars to support police efforts to crackdown on drunk drivers and ask people to pledge to drive “safe, sober and buckled up”. The solution is easy, make sure to appoint a designated driver and don’t get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. MADD also asks that hosts offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages, help to designate sober drivers and provide accommodations for guests who have tied one on.

Also be aware that many cities will be setting up DUI stops, so it’s difficult to get around it, just don’t do it! However, if you mistakenly get behind the wheel this Thanksgiving holiday and are caught for a driving under the influence offense, you will have to face the repercussions. Another reason to not drink and drive is that getting a DUI is a serious offense and punishments are not light. DUI offenders can expect to spend time in jail, have their car impounded, pay fines, pay lawyer fees, miss work to attend court proceedings, possible license suspension, community service work and take alcohol education classes. And, if anyone else is hurt as part of your DUI, expect to face even harsher repercussions.

The one way to make this entire experience a bit easier on you is to get court approval to take a DUI class online. Many court systems understand that in our busy world, it is often difficult to get to a classroom at a specific time due to work, school or family obligations. Taking a DUI class online enables the client to stay at home and take the class whenever she has time. Classes are available immediately upon registration and can be taken 24/7. They are self-paced so you can take them all at once, or spread it out over a weekend or a few weeks. Be sure to choose a program that is written and developed by licensed and trained substance abuse experts, utilizing the most up to date research. Upon successful completion of the course, a certificate of authenticity is sent to any location you wish at no extra cost. This is the documentation the court requires to prove you have fulfilled the mandate.

Taking an online alcohol and drug awareness class designed for DUI offenders is the most educational and convenient way to fulfill this requirement and get on with your life. You will find the classes interesting and testimonials from previous clients all agree that the courses are a great learning experience!

Teens Need Alcohol Awareness and DUI Classes Online To Prevent Risky Behavior

According to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fewer teenagers are drinking and driving. In 2011, nearly one million high school teens reported that they got behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. This is a scary number, but is lower than in previous years. In fact, drinking and driving among high school teenagers has gone down 54% since 1991.

While this risky behavior continues to be a major threat, there are three factors that seem to be affecting the decline. The CDC credits the statistics to stricter DUI laws and restrictions on teen driving. Teens in many states have limits on the hours they can legally drive at night. Another factor is that less teens are getting behind the wheel at all. Years ago, teens would work after school and save their cash to buy a car as soon as possible. Today, there are fewer job opportunities for teens because of the slowdown in the economy, so less saving. Also, the price of gas today is so high, that fewer parents and teens have the additional cash to pay for their teen to drive around.

A third factor is overall alcohol and drug awareness. Mother’s Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) and various other organizations have done an excellent job at getting the word out to teenagers that drinking and driving do not mix. Parents are also more aware of the risks and get their adolescents the additional education they need to understand the repercussions of DUI offenses by enrolling them in alcohol and drug awareness classes.

School systems across the country bring the subject up each year with Red Ribbon Week discussions. Smart parents take this conversation one step further by enrolling their kids in a 12 hour Minor In Possession class online. Drinking and driving among teenagers is still a factor in more than 800 deaths each year, and car crashes are the leading cause of death in the 16 – 19 age range. It’s important that parents are proactive about talking about drugs and alcohol with their teens early, before anything serious happens.

The bottom line is that even though there are fewer teen drunk drivers on the road, underage drinking continues to be a huge problem. Teen drivers are already nervous and inexperienced on the road. Add alcohol and drugs into the picture and it’s a deadly combination.

Online Minor In Possession, DUI or Alcohol and Drug Awareness classes are an interesting and educational way for teens to learn about abuse and dependency and how they affect the body physically and mentally. Classes also teach how to avoid the peer pressure that comes with the subject. Furthermore, adolescents today have grown up with computers and feel completely comfortable using them. They therefore like taking these classes online in the quiet and relaxed atmosphere of their own home. Parents can sit through the course with their teens to discuss and review any issues that arise. And, it’s a totally private way of learning the information, so self-conscious teens don’t need to feel embarrassed in the large group setting of a classroom.

For minors who have been caught by the law for DUI and need to fulfill an alcohol class requirement, online classes are the way to go. First check with your judge or court system to make sure they will accept distance-learning classes. If they do, all you need to do is register for the correct length of class and it’s available to you immediately. A Certificate of Completion is issued when the final exam has been successfully passed with a 70% score or better. The final can be retaken until the student completely understands the information and passes. The certificate is the documentation the minor needs to present to the court to prove she fulfilled the requirement.

Online DUI Classes For Second Offenders

Repeat DUI offenders all across the United States continue to be a serious problem. Statistics show that 32% of all traffic fatalities are caused by drunk drivers and that repeat offenders are 4 times more likely to be involved in car accidents that cause death or property damage. Furthermore, one out of three drunk drivers that are convicted for DUI is a repeat offender.

Most recently, a number of high profile cases have hit the headlines. Singer Bobby Brown was charged with his second drunk driving charge this year in Los Angeles when he was pulled over last week in Studio City with a strong scent of alcohol on his breath. A field sobriety test confirmed suspicion and he was booked into jail.

Sports players in particular seem to have a really difficult time finding a designated driver. Former Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman and TV analyst Mark Grace could face between 1 and 3.75 years in prison if he’s convicted of four felony counts of aggravated driving or actual physical control while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The sad part for Mark is that he’s not even eligible for probation because it’s his second DUI charge in a 15 month time span. And in the last month, Pittsburgh Steelers rookie defensive lineman, Alameda Ta’amu, was arrested on charges of leading a police chase while intoxicated and crashing into parked cars and injuring a woman. A breath test showed a BAC level of .196 percent, more than twice the legal limit of .08 percent. It’s also his second DUI arrest.

In these cases as well as most, a second DUI conviction will lead to an increase in all of the penalties. While the laws vary in each state, the offender will see steeper fines, longer license suspension, time in jail, community service work and alcohol awareness education. Work, school and family time will definitely be affected. One hope of regaining some personal convenience in all of this is if you can get your court system to approve taking online DUI education classes rather than having to commute to a traditional classroom. Online DUI classes can be taken from any Internet based computer in your home, office, library or wherever you can receive web service. If your license has been revoked, this will enable you to take the class without having to find a ride to the nearest classroom based course.

Online DUI classes not only provide convenience, but the most current information and education on alcohol and drug awareness. Classes cover topics that include understanding the root of alcohol abuse, the health risks, the repercussions and legal ramifications of DUI offenses, and skills for prevention. Most DUI offenders are interested in getting past this stressful time as quickly as possible. Online classes are available to the client as soon as online registration is completed. The entire class is on the computer, divided up by chapters, and concludes with a final exam. Nothing needs to be downloaded or printed out. The final exam can be retaken until a score of 70% or better is attained. Upon successful completion, a certificate is sent to the client to use to prove to the legal system that the requirement was fulfilled. The best part is that the client can take the class whenever it fits into his schedule, 24 hours a day. The pace is completely self-regulated, so the course can be finished over a day or two, or a couple of weeks. Online classes will definitely save you time, money in transportation costs, and stress!

Take An Online DUI Class For Privacy

State police departments across the country are urging motorists to report dangerous drivers immediately by dialing 911. Each year thousands of people are killed and lives destroyed because of drunk drivers. It’s important that the general population help to keep these drivers off the road and possibly save a life by taking the time to jot down the license plate number and make a simple call.

As discussed in previous articles on this site, a DUI arrest is not something that anyone wants to go through. Not only will the driver be taken to jail for at least a night, but your car will most likely be impounded. Then you will have to hire an attorney to represent you, court dates to attend, community service work and mandatory DUI classes to take. Getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking can completely cause havoc in your life.

High profile individuals are constantly in the news because of DUI related arrests. It’s surprising because it seems like they would have the easiest access to hired drivers, but they continuously get behind the wheel themselves. Recently actor Matthew Fox discussed his DUI bust in Bend, Oregon where he now lives. He acknowledges how embarrassing the whole scene was and on public television took full responsibility for his actions.

"I really own that and have done every single thing the state of Oregon requires for a first-time DUI offender. I have learned a ton. I did four weeks of alcohol informational training. And just learned an enormous amount. One of the statistics that I learned is that 50 percent of people that get one DUI will get another. I found that pretty astounding after what I've been through. I will absolutely not be in the statistic. There is just no way."

In Oregon, like most states across the country, DUI laws are strict and severe. For first time offenders, a drunk driving conviction is a misdemeanor and generally includes a $1,000 fine, a minimum of 2 days in jail (or up to 80 hours of community service) a drivers license suspension of up to 1 year and ignition interlock device installation, and an alcohol and drug treatment program

As Matthew experienced, courts mandate DUI education classes as part of the conviction requirements. He talks about how beneficial a tool they were for him and how much he learned. Many states also approve online DUI classes for many offenders. A high quality online class provides the same current information that is taught in standard classrooms, but provides the added bonus of allowing the client to stay in the comfort of his own home for privacy and convenience. This also gives the client the ability to learn the information with less distraction. Matthew states that he took a 4-week class, which might be equivalent to a 16-hour online alcohol and drug awareness class. However, online you can take the class to fit your own busy schedule, over one weekend or a couple of weeks. If you have been convicted of DUI, be sure to ask your judge if you can fulfill this requirement online. It will save you time, money and the additional stress of having to make a set classroom schedule.

DUI Classes For Court Mandates

It is a well-known fact that everybody comes to the point in their life in which they make a mistake. One mistake that too many people make is driving when under the influence of alcohol. It’s a normal occurrence to attend parties, weddings or other social events and drink alcohol because it is a time of celebration. Unfortunately, some people don’t plan ahead and make sure they have a designated driver, or opt for a cab ride home. Instead, they foolishly make the mistake of getting behind the wheel and risking their own life and all of the people around them.

Now you may not feel drunk, but remember that drinking impairs your judgment and your reaction time, so there’s a good chance that your driving abilities will be affected. If you are displaying signs of driving under the influence as swerving, speeding, or reckless driving, chances are you are going to be pulled over by the police. Once pulled over by the police officer, he is going to test your sobriety and if you fail those tests, you will be put in the back of that cop car and on your way to jail.

The first step that you are going to have to take after you have received your DUI is to get an attorney. An attorney is going to make sure that you know your rights and try to get you off with the least possible punishment. Hiring an attorney will cost plenty of money as most attorneys charge anywhere between $150 and $450 per hour of service. A period of time is going to go by and then you will be ordered to have your court date. During your court appearance you will stand in front of a judge and give your plea. After you plea the judge is going to explain to you what your punishment consists of. Common punishments for driving under the influence in jurisdictions across the U.S. include community service, DUI classes, and depending on the level of your blood alcohol level - jail time.

Regardless of what your punishment is, you must follow-through on every aspect of the judge’s order or further mandates will come your way. Typically a DUI class will have to be completed. Ask your judge for approval to take an online course so you don’t have to go all the way to a reserved venue to take your DUI class. Meeting a predetermined class time generally adds more stress and hassle to this whole situation because you may have to miss more work or school to attend the specified time. A solution to this is to take a DUI class online. Online DUI classes are going to give you all the same information that an in-person class is going to teach you but from the convenience of your own computer. During the online DUI class you are going to learn the consequences of driving under the influence, the laws involving drunk driving, how to prevent driving under the influence, and reasons to control the alcohol that you consume. Online classes are divided into chapters by topic. There are quizzes to take along the way and at the end you must pass a multiple choice final exam. With a 70% score or better, you will receive a Certificate of Completion in the mail to present to the court to prove you took the course.

All in all, receiving a DUI is going to be a big eye-opener for you. With the punishments that you receive and the classes that you are going to take, the goal is that you will be equipped with the knowledge that is going to keep you from making the mistake of driving under the influence again.

Online DUI Classes For Minors In Possession And Alcohol Drug Education

Now that we are fully ensconced in the new school year, it’s time to remind parents to have a talk with their teens about drinking and driving. In it’s 17 ^th annual back-to-school survey, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University found that 17 percent of high school students drink alcohol, take drugs and smoke during the average school day. You might not think that your child would ever become part of these statistics, but that’s about 2.8 million teens. Even if your child hasn’t taken this step, it’s around him. The survey goes on to say that for the sixth year in a row, 60% of the student population noted that drugs are used or sold on their high school grounds. 44% of these students personally knew someone on campus that sold drugs. The bottom line is that illegal substances are easy to get a hold of and with some peer pressure, it can be hard to say no. Especially when the new role of social media comes into play. Almost 11 million teens say that they have seen pictures of kids doing drugs or drinking alcohol online and the images look like these teens are having fun!
These images show short segments of young adults seeming to enjoy themselves, making it look glamorous. In fact, the survey finds that teens that use view social networking sites are more likely to smoke, drink and use drugs. That’s because what they don’t show are the potential risks and negative side effects of drinking too much. We don’t see the vomiting from overindulging, the hangovers and the DUI’s or MIP offenses these kids can face. In fact, the California Highway Patrol reports that DUI arrests for the 18 and under age group, has already exceeded the 2011 numbers by six.

Once arrested for DUI, underage offenders will have to take an 8 Hour Minor In Possession Class as part of their sentence. A convenient suggestion so that you don’t have to miss work driving your child to a traditional classroom, is to enroll him in an online DUI class for first time offenders. In the classes they learn specific reasons why drugs and alcohol will inevitably cause problems in their lives. Look at what getting caught has already done? They will learn the physical and psychological results of using these substances as well as the legal ramifications. Most importantly, teens will be educated on how to overcome peer pressure, how to manage their stress and other effective coping skills to avoid drug and alcohol use. Online classes are available to take immediately any time of the day or night.

After reading these statistics, most parents are probably thinking what can I do to help my kids navigate this scene if they haven’t gotten involved in drugs or alcohol to this point? The social season is just ramping up with Homecoming, football games and holiday dances, so it’s important to have the discussion and educate them now! Don’t wait until it’s too late and your child has been arrested for DUI. Have your teen take an online Alcohol and Drug awareness course today to educate them on the potential dangers they could face.

Tough DUI Law States

Drinking and driving laws vary from state to state. If you are unlucky enough to be caught, it is considered a criminal offense in all of the 50 states, which is generally punishable with a fine, temporary or permanent loss of license and possible jail time. The list below encompasses the states that you definitely do not want to get caught drunk driving in as they have the harshest laws:

Arizona – since 2007, this state is considered to have the toughest DUI laws in the country. First time offenders face a minimum fine of $1,250, community service, a 10-day jail stay and the installation of an ignition interlock device on their car for one year! Don’t forget attorney’s fees, time lost at work, and the expense of the interlock device.

Georgia – it is a criminal offense to operate a vehicle (including watercrafts and motorcycles) if you BAC level .08%. However, an individual can also be convicted with a BAC level at .05% if the prosecution can establish beyond a reasonable doubt that alcohol consumption impaired your ability to drive safely. A driver under the age of 21 can be convicted with a BAC level of .02%. The Administrative License Suspension Law says that if you are pulled over and refuse to submit to a test to determine your BAC, your license can automatically be suspended for one year. For your first DUI offense, you will be punished with fines up to $1,000, 40 hours of community service, fees to reinstate your license and a minimum of 24 hours in jail.

Florida – this state is a vacation destination for many in the Midwest and East Coast. College students flock for spring break and families look to get out of the cold weather and enjoy the beautiful beaches. Don’t get too relaxed! The first DUI conviction entails up to $500 in fines, 50 hours of community service, jail time of 8 hours to 6 months, drivers license revoked for a minimum of 6 months and vehicle impoundment for 10 days.

In some states you can have your license reinstated to go to and from work, but the offender will have to install the ignition interlock device. This requires the driver to give a breath sample before starting the car and to retests later in the drive.

All states have some sort of DUI school requirement to go along with all of these punishments. After you have spent all this money on fees, fines and lawyers, have missed work to attend court hearings, have spent your weekends doing community service on the side of the road, the best thing you can do for yourself is ask the court to approve an online DUI class. Good quality online classes are available from any Internet based computers, at any time of the day or night. This gives you the flexibility to take them early in the morning or late at night after work. It takes a long time to recover from a DUI conviction. Fulfilling this portion of your punishment from your own home is the one thing you can get done without having to add any more disruption to your life.

DUI Penalties Are Serious For Repeat Offenders

DUI penalties vary from state-to-state, and can even vary from county-to-county within each state. The one thing that seems to be consistent is that driving under the influence penalties are getting stiffer, especially for repeat offenders, across the nation. For instance, recently new laws have been enacted that if you are convicted of a DUI and you had a minor child in the car your penalties will increase, and if you caused an accident while drunk you will face harsher punishment. If you are convicted of DUI and you are under the age of 21, watch-out as well.

In most states, when you are convicted of a repeat DUI, the charge against you will be a felony and you will face mandatory jail time. The amount of jail time will vary for each state, but it can range from as little as 10 days to as much as 1 year in jail. Fines increase substantially for repeat offenders as well. You could be facing fines that range from $2,000 to $10,000. Additionally, be prepared to lose your driving privileges for at least 6 months, but it could be as much as 5 years. Another of the many DUI penalties is that in many states your car will be confiscated. You will be required to carry high risk insurance, which can be double or triple the cost of standard auto insurance. The problem is you may not even be able to find an insurance company that will offer you coverage.
Furthermore, repeat offender DUI convictions, since they now include jail time, could cause you to lose the job you have, and make it much harder to find a new job. Having more than one DUI on your record can also affect your ability to rent a home, get a loan, or even get grants for schooling. Along with all of this you will also be required to take drug and alcohol awareness classes, these classes are known as "DUI School."

In many states you will be required to take these classes along with counseling, even with one DUI conviction. The difference is that with repeated offenses the judge has the authority to make you attend these classes for and extended amount of time.
The purpose of a DUI program is to educate you on the dangers of drinking and driving. This is a method that jurisdictions are now utilizing to help rehabilitate alcohol and drug abusers and teach them skills in stopping the abuse.
If you are ever ordered to attend these classes, most courts will now allow you to take them online. Just be sure to confirm first with your particular court system. This is a good opportunity for you for several reasons. First, you probably will not have your driver's license or a vehicle, so attending traditional classes will be very difficult. You can take your classes anytime of the day or night making it easier to fit into your schedule. They are confidential and secure. You can log into most courses from anywhere in the fifty states. When you have successfully completed the course, you will receive an Certificate of Completion to show as proof to judges, courts, attorneys, probation officers or the DMV that you have taken the class.

The Repercussions of Drinking and Driving

Did you know that according to MADD, every 52 minutes on average, someone is killed in a drunk driving crash and every 90 seconds, someone is injured due to this entirely preventable crime.  There are numerous tragic stories about people who have been killed unexpectedly by an intoxicated driver.  In 2012 alone, an estimated 1 million drivers in the U.S. were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  In fact, MADD also states that nearly a third of all people who are arrested for drunk driving are people who have already done so in the past. You should be aware that no matter how “in control” you feel, if you get behind the wheel of an automobile after drinking alcohol, you can easily contribute to these statistics. 

This is especially important to be cognizant of if you are younger in age. Younger people often feel like they are invincible and completely in control.  However, MADD and the NHTSA state that the highest population of those involved in fatal crashes resulting from drinking and driving, are those who are in the 21 to 24 age group.  The 25 to 34 age group is not too far behind in this statistic.

Be aware that the repercussions of drinking and driving can be dire.  Therefore, laws are meant to severely punish offenders.  If you are caught for DUI, no matter what your age, you will be punished with initial jail time to sober up, car impoundment, significant fines, community service work and mandatory alcohol awareness education.  You might also have your license suspended which will cause you more expense and stress to find an alternative method of getting to your responsibilities.

Furthermore, the worst part about the fines incurred is very expensive. In fact, it might cause you to be unable to pay off other debts. What makes this even harder to deal with is the fact that these fines will not be discharged from your record in the event that you have to declare bankruptcy for any reason. It is a serious concern that you have to be fully aware of.

We tend to rationalize that just this one time, I’ll drive and make it home safely.  It’s this mentality that keeps drunk drivers on the streets.  The risk of potentially causing an accident due to poor reaction time or judgment is just not worth it.  If one life is saved by the choice you make to hand the keys over to someone else or take a cab, it is worth it.  If someone you know or love suffers from alcohol addiction, get help immediately.

If you have already been convicted of a DUI and need to take alcohol education classes to fulfill your court mandate, then look no further.  Online alcohol and drug awareness classes are convenient, low in cost and easy to take.  Just get the approval of your court system first, then at the click of a button, you can log into a high quality course to meet your needs.  Classes are available in different lengths, based on what the court requires and can be completed at your own pace, any time of the day or night.  This means you won’t have to miss any work, or life commitments to complete this part of your restitution. They are an ideal way to satisfy this requirement. 

How Alcohol Affects Your Mind and Body

Alcohol has extremely negative impacts on the brain, which is why drinking and driving, simply do not go hand in hand. By consuming alcohol and driving, drivers are putting themselves, passengers and other motorists at great risks. Every year thousands of deaths are caused by drivers with high levels of Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) yet individuals continue to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.  2011 statistics show that 32% of automobile related deaths involve alcohol.  Specifically, approximately one in every three deaths was alcohol related.

HOW ALCOHOL AFFECTS DRIVING

Alcohol is a depressant drug, meaning it reduces the activity of the central nervous system, which includes the brain. Brain function is slowed down considerably and most easy tasks become difficult. Because signals from the brain to muscles deteriorate after alcohol consumption, the user experiences a loss of motor skills, and the impairment vision, judgment, confidence and emotions.

AFFECTS

There does not need to be a high level of BAC for driving skills to be affected. Alcohol affects your driving skills by:

Reducing reaction time - During the time alcohol is present in driver's system, the central nervous system slows down, processes slowly and reaction time is greatly reduced. Having a slow reaction time is the difference between braking in a crucial moment and crashing.

Difficulty multitasking - Drivers are unable to concentrate on several things at once, such as looking in the mirror to make a lane change while keeping in the current lane they are in.  They also tend to ignore their peripheral vision as they focus intensely on the road in front of them.  This causes the driver to ignore how other cars on the road are driving, or what is happening in other lanes.

Drowsiness – Alcohol consumption contributes to feeling drowsy and relaxed at the wheel.  Drivers under the influence often fall asleep and veer off the road or crash.

Impaired vision – Alcohol narrows the field of vision.  Drunk drivers have an increased chance of being susceptible to glare and have more difficulty picking out and differentiating colors. 

Over confidence - After drinking, false feelings of confidence are created. This makes the person take risks that they normally wouldn't while driving.  Examples of this are driving too fast or quickly changing from one lane to the next without warning to other drivers.

Disobeying rules - Most rules and responsibilities as a driver are forgotten while having alcohol in the system. Drivers may forget to use indicator, turn where they are not supposed to, and ignore speed limits.

There are many different ways of approaching the problem of drunk driving. The most common is to limit drinking or abstain from driving at all while having alcohol in the system.  If the individual must drink, then choosing a designated driver who does not drink any alcohol during the course of the evening is highly suggested.

If you have been convicted of a DUI, the court will mandate an alcohol and drug awareness class.  This is generally combined with community service work, paying a great deal in fines, and sometimes the suspension of your license.  Check with your court system to see if you can take these classes online.  With court approval, you will find online classes extremely convenient as they can be taken from any Internet based computer in your home, office, of local coffee house.  A quality course will include all the same information that is taught in a traditional classroom, but will be available to you any time of the day or night with the simple click of a button. 

DUI Laws In Florida

Each state in the U.S. has its own DUI laws. While some states may be stricter about their drivers being pulled over and charged with driving under the influence, others states will still have similar laws. Although the consequences will vary, every state takes driving under the influence charges very seriously. For instance, some of the DUI laws and other related information for the state of Florida are as follows:

A BAC or blood alcohol content of .08 or greater has been set as the threshold for drunk driving. DUI convictions remain on a driver's record for 75 years. Underage drivers can lose their driving privileges for up to 6 months if their blood alcohol content is .02 or greater. However, if the blood alcohol content is equal to or greater than .08, the underage driver will face other penalties including the standard penalties that graduate according to the type of offense.

If the driver is convicted and it is their first DUI, the judge can impose a fine of up to one thousand dollars. The fine can also increase if there is a minor in the car. Some of the other penalties include revoking the driver's license for a minimum of 180 days or up to 1 year. Community service can be also ordered by the judge along with court mandated DUI courses. If classes are ordered by the court, the driver must enroll in DUI School before they can get their license back and they must complete the class successfully within 90 days of restatement.

In the past, the only way a driver could complete the court-mandated classes was to attend classes in a formal classroom setting. This meant the convicted driver would have to fit these classes into their work schedules if they had a job. For some, taking time off of the job was often difficult, especially for a DUI offense. In fact, most people would not disclose this information to their boss or anyone else on the jobsite to avoid workplace embarrassment and possible corporate penalties.

Due to advances in technology, online DUI courses are now available. Specifically, this means that if the online courses will meet the court's mandated requirements, the driver can take the courses in the privacy of his/her own home and at a time that is more convenient for them. Therefore, the driver will not have to miss any days off of the job. It is important to note that not all states and counties will accept online classes, so be sure to check first with your court system to get approval.

Upon approval, courses are easy to take.  Just go online and purchase the class length that has been mandated.  The program will appear on your screen immediately and you are ready to go.  You can log-in and out of the class as many times as you wish.  The computer program holds your last spot.  The information is divided into sections with a quiz at the end of each chapter.  A final exam is issued at the end of the course.  After you have successfully passed the exam, a Certificate of Completion is sent to the client.  This is the proof you present to the judge that you have taken the course.

How To Help Prevent Your Teen From Engaging In Risky DUI Behavior

It is quite common for teenagers to engage in risky behavior. Many just don’t have the sense or foresight to think about the repercussions of the actions.  All they can see is what is right in front of them and if it happens to be drugs and alcohol, many young adults will try them out of curiosity or peer pressure. To help your child get through this period in her life unscathed, there are a series of things a parent or caregiver can do.

The first and probably most important thing a parent can do is to talk openly with their teenager about drugs and alcohol.   In some cases, one of the reasons why teens engage in drinking is because they feel that their parents don’t care about them or are too busy with their own lives to pay attention to them.  Talking to your teen in a relaxed and honest way will open the floodgate of questions.  Share facts, talk about the health risks and potential dangers.  Explain to them that while alcohol might make them feel really good for a while, in the long run it is a depressant and can cause sadness, anger and depression as well.  Continue the conversation with ways to handle peer pressure.  Think of ways they can get out of a situation without being embarrassed.  One way is to tell friends that you can’t drink because your parents will test you with a Breathalyzer when you get home. 

Discuss reasons why they shouldn’t drink.  For example, it might temporarily make you feel more popular to fit in, but you might end up doing something you’ll regret. You might relax enough to let a member of the opposite sex get too close, or you might drink too much and get violently ill in front of everyone. 

Another way to help your teen avoid alcohol and drugs is to keep her involved in after school activities.  Adolescents that are involved in team or individual sports have little time to waste playing around with illegal substances and they need to stay strong and healthy to be effective.  Also, this will put another set of adult eyes on your child.  Coaches can be good role models for young adults; can be another person to turn to for advice and can watch for irregular behavior.  And, be aware of where your child is after school.  If they aren’t at practice, then where are they and why?

Establish rules and consequences for any inappropriate behavior.  Set solid boundaries and be consistent in enforcement.  Be sure to include in your discussions the potential risks of getting behind a wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.  The MADD website is full of statistics and stories about accidents and deaths that have occurred due to drunk driving. 

If your teenager has made the unfortunate decision to get behind the wheel, and has been caught by authorities, she will most likely need to take a DUI class.  The best and easiest way to fulfill this mandate is to take a DUI class online at www.alcoholdrugclass.com.  Classes are offered on any Internet based electronic device.  A huge benefit to having your child take a class from home, aside from convenience, is that you can personally monitor what they are learning.  You can sit with them to take the class, review information and monitor their progress. 

It’s never too early to start the discussion about alcohol and drugs with your child.  This will open the discussion and give them comfort in knowing that you are there to support them through this sometimes difficult path.