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When you are being charged with a Colorado DUI, there may be many things running through your mind. You might be worried about jail time or fines, losing your driver’s license, or even how you’re going to pay all the court costs. One thing you may not be thinking about is alcohol education classes, but they are worth your while.

Most of the time, a judge will order you to complete mandatory alcohol education as a consequence of driving under the influence in Colorado. Voluntarily taking these classes or getting treatment on your own before you enter a plea or go to trial can help with your defense.

Here’s what you need to know about alcohol education in Colorado and how it can ultimately help you have a better outcome in your DUI case.

After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for a DUI, you are at a bit of a disadvantage in the eyes of the court. Why? Because, whether it’s true or not, the court is going to assume you have a problem with alcohol. This is one of the impacts of getting a DUI. Chances are: Your family, friends, and maybe even your employer will suspect the same.

When you voluntarily take DUI alcohol education classes and pursue treatment on your own, it may be able to help you understand the choices you made surrounding alcohol and getting behind the wheel of a car when you’ve had too much to drink. You can view your arrest for a DUI as a wake-up call to admit that you may not have a healthy relationship with alcohol. That way, education and subsequent treatment can help you to pursue recovery – something that will benefit you beyond a defense for the DUI.

Show the Court You Mean Business

Law enforcement as well as the court system understand that people make mistakes – it happens. If you take the initiative to get a drug and alcohol assessment, go to classes, and possibly get treatment, then you’re showing them that you take the DUI you were arrested for seriously.

Your attorney may suggest you take this course of action for a couple of reasons. The first is that your lawyer cares and wants the best outcome for you. If you do have a problem, then they want to see you get help and embark on the road to recovery. Secondly, lawyers know that if you voluntarily take these classes and undergo possible treatment, they can mount a more robust defense on your behalf.

Plus, a good attorney knows that voluntary alcohol education can help you win a DUI case. It will either convince the judge that you are committed to making the situation right or demonstrate to the court that experts do not think you have an alcohol addiction issue. It will show that what happened was a one-time lapse in judgment.

How to Find an Alcohol Education Class

If you want to pursue an alcohol education class on your own, make sure that it’s a program approved by the state of Colorado. These programs can provide the Level I and Level II alcohol education courses that the court approves. The cost for these programs varies, but all providers will give you a discharge referral summary, which you can then present in court as a part of your defense.

About the Author:

Andrew Bryant is a well-respected Colorado Springs criminal attorney who has been practicing in the area for years. A Colorado native, he returned to the home he loves after graduating from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Now, he uses the knowledge he gained as an El Paso County District Attorney to fight tirelessly for his clients’ rights. He is AV-Preeminent rated, has been recognized for his work by The National Trial Lawyers, and has been named to Best of the Springs lists by The Gazette for years.