# DWI Education Programs After Conviction | TadLaw **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. What Is an Alcohol Education Program? 2. DWI Intervention 3. Get Help from a Houston DWI Attorney 4. The Law Office of Tad Nelson & Associates Texas takes drunk driving seriously. Even a single conviction for[DUI/DWI](https://tadlaw.com/resources/texas-dwi-resources/texas-dwi-laws/) carries significant consequences. In Texas, a first offender can face up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. In addition, the offender may lose his driver’s license for up to two years. ## What Is an Alcohol Education Program? If you are convicted of a DUI for the first time, a judge may also order you into a state-approved[Alcohol Education Program](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/court-ordered/drug-and-alcohol/). This is a class certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The class lasts a total of 12 hours and is designed to provide information on Texas DUI/DWI laws, the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the human body, the impact these narcotics have on your ability to drive, and the long-term effects of chemical dependency. Upon completion of the class, the offender will receive a certificate that can be submitted to the court. Completion of the Alcohol Education Program is usually a mandatory condition in cases where persons convicted of a first DUI offense receive probation. In many cases you can actually complete the course before your scheduled trial date. The course must be completed within 180 days from the date of the DUI/DWI conviction; otherwise the state will revoke your driver’s license. You will then have to apply for reinstatement of your license and pay a separate fee. Additional rules apply for anyone under the age of 21 convicted of a first DUI. Such minors must also complete a certified Alcohol Education Program. But failure to complete the class will result in a 180-day suspension of the minor’s driver’s license, and any subsequent offense will lead to a one-year suspension. ## DWI Intervention For habitual drunk driving offenders and individuals with severe alcohol or drug problems, Texas offers a DWI Intervention Program. This is more intensive than the Alcohol Education Program. The Intervention Program lasts a total of 32 hours and is intended to confront the individual’s lifestyle choices and the impact of his or her drug and alcohol abuse on family members. Intervention also encourages offenders to enter a 12-step or similar rehab program. For a free legal consultation, call [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) today ## Get Help from a Houston DWI Attorney ![Houston DWI Attorney Tad Nelson](https://thenelsonfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sidebar_tad-150x150.jpg)Keep in mind, the person convicted of a DWI must pay for these classes, which can cost several hundred dollars. This is in addition to the thousands of dollars in additional costs and penalties that arise from even a first-time conviction. That is why if you have been charged with driving under the influence, it is important to speak with a [qualified drunk driving lawyer](https://tadlaw.com/attorneys/tad-a-nelson/) as soon as possible. Contact the Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates if you require immediate legal assistance. ## The Law Office of Tad Nelson & Associates ### Houston • Clear Lake • Galveston • League City Call or text [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) or fill out our [Free Case Evaluation Form](https://tadlaw.com/contact-us/) to get started DWI Blog Posts: [DWI Blood Testing and Texas Law DWI In a recent post, we discussed the exigent circumstances exception for warrantless blood-alcohol testing currently being considered by the U.S. Supreme Court....](https://tadlaw.com/blog/dwi-blood-testing-and-texas-law/) [Texas Ceremony Honors DWI Officers DWI Texas readers who question whether local authorities are investing more time and money into drunk driving enforcement efforts need only read about...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/texas-ceremony-honors-dwi-officers/) [Texas District Attorney Arrested for DWI DWI Government or public figures implicated in a scandal may take a variety of approaches. Some may deny all charges, while others offer...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/texas-district-attorney-arrested-for-dwi/) [DA Serves Half of DWI Sentence DWI This blog has profiled some of the penalties brought by Texas enforcement officials against individuals accused of driving while intoxicated, as well...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/da-serves-half-of-dwi-sentence/) --- Source: https://tadlaw.com/blog/dwi-education-programs-after-conviction/