If you’re a first time DWI offender in the State of Texas and are hoping to take advantage of a probationary program as opposed to serving a jail sentence, you’ll be required to attend a DWI Class (Alcohol & Drug Awareness Ed). The purpose of the program is to educate you on the effects of alcohol & drugs on your body and the community.
Many providers offer online drug and alcohol classes for the convenience of participants, allowing them to access courses from home and choose flexible schedules.
The Drug/Alcohol class may be taken voluntarily, but many offenders are normally enrolled in the class as a result of a court order. Attending court-mandated classes can demonstrate a commitment to recovery and potentially reduce legal penalties. These services are provided by reputable providers and are designed to meet court requirements without hidden fees.
The DWI classes in Houston are generally about 12 hours in duration and can be scheduled at different times, on different days. The full class isn’t held in one day but is typically spaced out over the course of a few days or weeks. Classes can range from a few hours to several weeks, and participants can choose the timeframe that best fits their needs. Level I consists of 12 hours of alcohol and drug education over a minimum of three sessions unless an alcohol evaluator says more is required.
You can expect the class content to cover the dangers of substance abuse, legal consequences, and strategies for making better choices. The classes include an assessment to determine the appropriate level of education or treatment, and they address addiction, prevention strategies, and the impact and risk of substance abuse. The benefits of attending these classes include gaining knowledge, reducing the risk of reoffending, and supporting long-term recovery.
General Information: Drug & Alcohol Classes
COST: Under $200.00
TIME: Variable. You’re allowed to schedule the class around your employment schedule in most cases. As you can see in this example, scheduling is flexible.
Participants can easily find and sign up for classes through the provider’s website, often using a direct link for registration. Most courses require upfront payment, but some allow you to pay after completion, and the process does not require additional steps or external approval.
The Houston area DWI class is conducted in both Spanish & English as the state of Texas is working to eliminate language barriers within the criminal justice system.
When You’ll Need a Houston DWI Class
Listed below are the following circumstances in which a person may be compelled to take part in an alcohol or drug education program.
- Pre-Trial Situations
- By Court Order
- For Educational Purposes
- Probationary Requirements
- Parole Requirements
- Texas Drivers License Reinstatement (The department, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, oversees the process and verifies course completion for driver’s license reinstatement.)
- Employment. (Generally if you’ve failed a drug test at work.)
- Completion of a Level I alcohol and drug education program is required when a minor driver has had their license revoked for certain violations.
- Child Custody & Family Law (CPS or a family court may demand your participation.)
Individuals convicted of DWI or related offenses may be required to serve several months in education and treatment programs as part of their sentence.
Documents To Bring
If you’re scheduled to take part in the Drug & Alcohol Education Program, you’ll need the following when appearing at the Drug & Alcohol Education class:
- Your Texas Driver License or State Issued ID
- You’ll need to know your Social Security Number
- You may also need documents from the court, the Court Number/Name, or the name of the judge that presided over your case.
- You may also need the cause number assigned to your case.
- A photo or copy of your ID may be required for registration and verification purposes.
Special Note: The instructor of the class should have your name on a list, but be sure bring the information listed above just in case. Missing or not taking the class by the court’s specified deadline may result in the revocation of your probation, disqualification from parole, or may prolong the process of having your Texas Driver License reinstated. An Affidavit of Enrollment completed by a BHA certified treatment agency allows a driver to complete their education and treatment program after reinstatement.
Once all required documents are received and the course is completed, you will be issued a certificate as official proof of completion.
More Information on Texas Drug/Alcohol Courses*
For more information about the alcohol and drug awareness program, or to learn more about options for repeat offenders, we recommend visiting, Alcohol & Traffic Safety Institute, TADA, or consulting with attorney Tad A. Nelson or the court ordering your attendance in the class.
Many education and treatment programs are overseen by agencies such as the Texas Department of Human Services, which ensures compliance with statutory requirements.
*If you’re a client of The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates be sure to contact us for the information you need.
We’re a full-service law firm that’s dedicated to DWI, FWI, BWI, and DUI defense in addition to providing legal representation for defendants during ALR Hearings.
If you need to discuss a serious matter with a skilled attorney regarding a drunk driving case or any other criminal matter, call our law office today at 281-280-0100.
Houston Drug & Alcohol Class Information
Compliance and Consequences
Navigating compliance with court-ordered drug and alcohol classes stands as an absolutely critical cornerstone for individuals battling through the complex legal landscape after a DWI or related offense. Attending and completing these formidable educational programs as mandated by the court represents far more than a mere condition of probation—it serves as a powerful foundation in your relentless pursuit of recovery and redemption. When individuals approach these comprehensive education and treatment programs with unwavering dedication and seriousness, they demonstrate an impressive commitment to responsibility and an unparalleled determination to forge positive, life-changing transformations.
The consequences of failing to comply with your court-mandated class requirements can be nothing short of devastating and far-reaching. Missing classes, abandoning course completion, or failing to provide ironclad proof of your participation may result in a crushing violation of probation that can derail your entire legal strategy. This formidable violation can unleash a cascade of additional court hearings, the terrifying possibility of incarceration, aggressive increases in fines, or even a relentless extension of your sentence that prolongs your legal battle indefinitely. In numerous cases, non-compliance can aggressively delay or completely prevent the reinstatement of your driver’s license, creating an even more challenging and treacherous path forward in your journey toward freedom.
By maintaining unwavering attendance at all scheduled classes and following the expert guidance of instructors and seasoned professionals, individuals not only meet the court’s demanding requirements but also gain invaluable knowledge and comprehensive resources that serve as powerful weapons in their fight for recovery. Staying rigorously compliant helps you avoid further devastating legal trouble and can lead to a remarkably successful outcome, both in the unforgiving courtroom arena and in your deeply personal growth journey. Suppose you find yourself with pressing questions about your obligations or need compassionate assistance understanding this complex process. In that case, it becomes absolutely essential to contact your attorney or the class provider for expert guidance—because when your future and reputation hang in the balance, you deserve nothing less than complete clarity and unwavering support.