DUI Classes and Programs in Illinois

One challenging thing for people recovering from addiction is identifying and managing triggers. These triggers can cause cravings, which are urges to use a substance. They’re common feelings associated with the psychological withdrawal caused by detoxing from alcohol or drugs. Even once someone has completed their treatment, they may still be exposed to triggers that cause these cravings. DUI education will help you identify the triggers in your life and find healthy coping mechanisms to overcome the cravings that happen as a result.

While DUI classes don’t encourage drinking, they understand that people may still drink occasionally. With this in mind, DUI education teaches individuals how to drink responsibly to prevent future DUIs and accidents. For example, they’ll emphasize the importance of having a designated driver or a backup plan if the designated driver can’t take everyone home after a night of drinking. They’ll provide education on binge drinking and the recommended drinking limits for men and women.

Some people charged or convicted of a DUI have a network of friends or family who encourage dangerous behaviors, such as drinking and driving. DUI education teaches you to analyze your current peer group and surround yourself with people who can offer you support. You’ll learn how to identify behaviors in your peers that encourage risky actions and discover how to build a healthy support network of loved ones. DUI education also allows you to connect with other people who understand what you’re going through.

DUI classes emphasize the importance of making good life decisions. Participants will learn how to improve their decision-making skills by being presented with various scenarios and being guided to the right choice. This practice helps offenders prevent future decisions that could put themselves or others in harm’s way.

DUI classes educate participants on the dangers of drinking while under the influence of substances. The purpose of this education is to make sure participants understand the potential consequences. These drawbacks include the physical and mental effects of substance use and how drinking and driving can harm themselves and others. Courses will also educate people on the legal ramifications of future drinking and driving.

In some cases, the court will recommend DUI classes instead of jail time, particularly if you’re a first-time offender and no one was harmed due to your driving while intoxicated. You can also qualify for classes if:

• You are under 25 years old
• You have never been treated for substance use
• Alcohol is the primary substance you use
• You can receive treatment at an outpatient facility

If you don’t meet these qualifications, you can still attend DUI classes as an alternative to jail time. The instruction will act as your probation. You must complete the court-ordered DUI program as the court requires to ensure you don’t incur any additional penalties. 

In most states, you must complete a DUI program in the state that you received the DUI. If you were charged and convicted with a DUI in Illinois, you must complete your court-ordered program in the same state. 

Additionally, if you are an Illinois resident charged with a DUI in another state, your Illinois license can still be affected. You may have to complete your DUI courses out of state, but Illinois can still revoke your license for a minimum of one year for a first-time offense. Once the other state reports the DUI to Illinois, Illinois will impose the restrictions based on the circumstance.

Note that each state has its own laws regarding license penalties for DUIs. Some states have harsher penalties, while others are more relaxed. Regardless of the restrictions on your license out of state, Illinois may still suspend your license for a minimum of one year. The suspension might be even longer if this isn’t the first time you’ve been convicted with a DUI.

DUI classes can be expensive, but the costs vary by state. On average, DUI classes for a first-time offender cost an average of $24,000, which includes legal fees, treatment costs and insurance increases. The breakdown of the costs includes:

• $1,500 for fines
• Over $300 for jail costs
• Between $3,000 to $6,000 for court costs
• Roughly $250 for reinstating your license
• $200 for a public attorney

These expenses are just estimations. For example, jail costs will vary based on how many days you spend at the facility. Other costs should also be considered, such as expenses for substance use treatment and wages lost while spending time in treatment.

Out-of-pocket costs for a DUI program can be expensive, especially if you must undergo additional addiction treatment. The good news is that many insurance providers cover some, if not all, of the costs associated with substance use treatment. However, not all addiction treatment centers take insurance, so it’s essential to conduct thorough research to determine which treatment facilities will accept your insurance. 

Gateway Foundation offers in-network and out-of-network insurance options for individuals looking to free themselves from addiction and get their lives back on track. 

The court will require different programs and treatments based on your risk level. For example, people with minimal risk will only need 10 hours of DUI risk education, while individuals with a high risk will need 75 hours of substance misuse treatment. The different levels of care you require will determine where you can take your classes.

You can take DUI classes in many places, but you’ll want to know you’re getting the best treatment and program options. Gateway Foundation offers state-approved DUI classes in Chicago and throughout Illinois. We have 16 drug treatment centers so that you can find a facility close to home. We have over 50 years of experience and use evidence-based therapies, so you know you’re getting quality treatment when you work with our team of professionals.

Once you’ve completed treatment, you’ll be presented with a completion certificate indicating you’ve finished all the necessary course work and treatment. You’ll show your proof of enrollment and certification to the court or DMV to prove you have completed the required programs.

If you have a court order to complete a DUI program or substance misuse treatment, you must complete the required programs. If you fail to complete them, this will be viewed as a probation violation, and you may face harsher punishments. The court will determine the new conditions, and you may end up facing jail time as a result. 

It’s always in your best interest to complete the program. If you cannot pay for your classes at the time, you can still attend. Your certification may be withheld until you’ve made all your payments, but you should continue to attend and complete your required programs until you receive your certificate.

The time it takes to complete a class will vary based on what level you’re determined to be at after your evaluation. Some people will only require 10 hours of DUI risk education. These 10 hours can’t be completed in the same week. Some people will be required to attend the class for two hours a week until they meet their 10-hour requirement, which would take approximately five weeks.

Other people will be in an extended program, such as those with a high risk. They’re required to complete 75 hours of substance use treatment and aftercare, which can last much longer. Aftercare is considered to be a lifelong part of the recovery process. These individuals will complete their classes in the 75 hours of treatment, but they’ll continue to attend therapy and meetings as part of their aftercare plan.

Illinois doesn’t typically offer online options for people charged with a DUI who are required by the court to attend classes. These classes would need to be attended in person.

However, it’s possible to qualify for an exemption. You can receive special permission from the court, particularly if you have outside requirements that would require online classes. These circumstances include work or educational requirements that keep you from attending classes in person. 

COVID-19 has opened up online options, so people don’t have to go into a treatment facility during a pandemic. Some facilities offer telehealth options, so if you’re looking for online treatment because of pandemic concerns, conduct thorough research to determine what facility can provide you with online courses.

The length of time it takes to get your license reinstated will vary based on your circumstance. First-time offenders will have their license revoked for a minimum of one year, though the actual length of time will depend upon your case’s circumstances. Repeat offenses mean your license will be revoked for a longer period. 

In Illinois, a second DUI conviction results in a license suspension for a minimum of five years, and a third DUI conviction is a suspension for a minimum of 10 years. If you get a fourth DUI conviction, your license will be permanently revoked.

Additionally, some individuals may have to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle once they’re allowed to drive again. These devices will prevent your vehicle from starting if your blood alcohol content is above the set limit. You will blow into the device just like with a breathalyzer before you can start your vehicle and at intervals while you drive. 

This device must remain in your car for the length of time predetermined by the judge. Having someone else blow into the device for you is a criminal offense and can result in harsher penalties. 

Having your DUI expunged means the charge would be completely wiped off your record as if it had never happened. Each state has its own policies on eligibility for DUI expungement. In Illinois, you can have a DUI expunged from your record if:

• You were arrested but never charged with a DUI
• You were found not guilty in a court of law
• Your case was dismissed

If you meet any of these requirements, your attorney can file the appropriate paperwork to have the DUI expunged from your record once the waiting period has passed.

However, you’re not eligible for expungement if you were convicted of a DUI. You can try to apply for a pardon, which the state governor can grant. A pardon can relieve an individual of some or all of the legal ramifications of a crime. Your DUI would be overturned and removed from your record. Pardons are very rare and don’t usually take place for DUI convictions, but it’s important to go over all your options with your attorney. 

People who don’t meet the requirements for expungement may be able to get their criminal record sealed. Like the expungement process, if you were convicted of a DUI, you cannot get your record sealed in the state of Illinois.

However, Illinois House Bill 3934 is moving through the state’s legislature and, if passed, may open the door for individuals looking to seal their record. With this bill, you could seal your record if:

• At least 10 years have passed since the end of your sentence
• You did not cause a fatal accident or injury due to driving under the influence
• No other misdemeanor or felony exists on your driving record
• The judge finds that no plea deal was made for a lesser charge, and no other DUIs have been committed in the state

This bill would allow many first-time, non-violent offenders to seal their criminal record from the public, which would alleviate some of the hardships individuals feel when they try to apply for jobs or secure promotions with a DUI on their record. Note that while your criminal record would be sealed, this bill does not remove the DUI from your driving record. 

While this bill has yet to be passed, you should keep an eye on its progress through the Illinois legislation so you’ll know if and when you can expunge or seal a DUI from your record.