In many cases, a person convicted of a DWI will have to take DWI or alcohol education classes as a part of their penalty. But what do these classes entail? What, if any, impact do they have on your DWI case? Rochester, New York, DWI attorney Thomas A. Corletta, Attorney at Law answers these questions below by sharing three details to know about the state's DWI classes.

3 Factors to Understand About New York DWI Education Classes

1. NYS Offers the Impaired Driver Program

The Impaired Driver Program (IDP), formerly known as the Drinking Driver Program (DDP), is a series of classes offered by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. There are seven weekly classroom sessions, totaling 16 hours. One of the purposes of the IDP is to lessen the chance a student will again drink and drive, learn the potential penalties of unsafe driving practices, and gain the necessary skills to make positive changes. Another purpose is to identify problem drinkers through psychological testing, and to refer them for treatment if necessary. Alcohol evaluations are mandatory in most DWI cases, and if a driver is referred for alcohol treatment, they must complete the treatment before being relicensed.

2. Completing DWI Classes May Make You Eligible for Some Driving Privileges

Most are eligible for a Conditional License, permitting limited travel for work and other necessary activities, during the term of the revocation. A DWI conviction in New York requires mandatory license revocation. Under DMV regulations, a first-time offender who successfully completes the IDP is eligible for reinstatement of their driving privileges before the 6 month revocation period is up. This is provided all fines and fees are paid, the driver has not been referred for treatment, and there are no other license problems. Also, the fee for the IDP and Conditional License is around $325.00. Failure to attend the IDP will result in revocation of the Conditional License. 

3. You Will Still Have to Pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee

Those convicted of a DWI, or those who have refused to submit to a chemical test, are required to pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment of $250.00 per year for three years. Taking part in the IDP has no bearing on your responsibility to pay this fee, which is called a “civil penalty”.

Contact DWI attorney Thomas A. Corletta, Attorney at Law online to schedule a consultation for legal advice. You can also call (585) 546-5072 or visit his firm on Facebook or Twitter to learn more about any of his services. Trust an experienced DWI attorney to help you complete the IDP and regain your driving privileges.