DWI classes Austin- *After being charged with a DWI, I was advised to take DWI classes in advance; however, which classes should I take?
Many individuals who are charged with a first-time DWI in Travis County will be required to take two classes: a 12-hour DWI Education course and a three-hour MADD – Victim Impact Panel session. Once these classes are finished, participants will receive certificates.
*What if this either isn’t my first DWI or I have been arrested many times?
If this is the case, you likely will be required to take more and different classes.
*Why do I need to take two classes if this is my first DWI?
These classes will either be a condition of your personal bond or an eventual plea bargain negotiated with the Travis County Attorney.
*I have only been arrested and not convicted, so why is it recommended that I take the DWI classes?
This shows that you are taking the case seriously, which means that the prosecutors could end up decreasing the overall terms of your probation. Furthermore, there are some cases in which taking these classes could end up in a dismissal of your case as well; however, it should be noted that this only happens in cases where there is a minimal amount of evidence in terms of intoxication.
*Can either the judge or prosecutors be talked out of requiring me to take these classes?
Oftentimes, there are only three situations in which you would not need to take these DWI classes. First, you would need to plead guilty and serve your sentence in county jail, which is typically 30 to 90 days. Second, you would have to go through a jury trial and win. Third, the judge would have to throw out your case due to the police violating the law during your arrest.
*What happens in the event that I am innocent?
In the event that the police officer who arrested you were to contact the prosecutor and states that they made a mistake, there is the chance that your attorney could get the DWI classes waived and you would not have to take them; however, this is something that rarely ever happens.
*If I do end up taking the classes, does this count as an admission of guilt on my part?
Not at all. On the contrary, taking the DWI classes, will make you look more like a responsible adult.
*What is the 12-hour DWI class like exactly?
The curriculum of this specific class was designed by the State of Texas. It’s more like a group counseling session that’s combined with a junior high school health class. Even though no one really wants to take the class, many individuals have gone on record of stating that the class itself wasn’t bad at all and that they actually did learn something. Furthermore, the class itself is viewed as being extremely effective in terms of creating an environment in which people can self-reflect on their overall relationship with alcohol.
*How do attorneys know what the class itself is like?
There are some experienced DWI attorneys who actually have received certifications to teach the class and who have actually taught it many times.
*Where is the 12-hour class offered, and how long does it take?
This specific class is offered through a total of seven private companies throughout the city of Austin, as well as by Travis County Counseling and Education Services. Furthermore, the class is taught over a period of three days for four hours each day; however, each company that teaches the class has a different schedule and are also not permitted to teach the class in a single day.
*Am I required to speak in the class?
No; however, the course itself is designed to elicit conversations in the sense that the class is asked about their overall opinions regarding various alcohol-related topics.
*How much does it cost to attend the class?
The companies who offer the class charge between $70 and $90 for the 12-hour class.
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