DUI Blogger

California's System of Mandatory DUI School: Does it Really Work?

Most people know the routine that follows a California DUI conviction: probation, fines, a temporary drivers license suspension, and--of course--the infamous California DUI school.

Indeed, California has developed an elaborate series of alcohol education programs for DUI offenders. These range from a 12-hour class for those convicted of a lesser "wet reckless" offense, to a 30-month alcohol program for 3rd offense DUI offenders. Los Angeles County's 30-month DUI school can entail up to 400 hours of community service, group counseling and education sessions.

The California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs licenses private entities to provide this drunk driving programming. Nearly 500 exist throughout the state. One overarching policy goal is at work: dissuading those convicted of DUI from continuing to drink and drive.

Very little data exists to measure the effectiveness of California DUI schools. Probably, as with any type of rehabilitation program, success varies depending on the individual--and in particular whether the student sees herself as having an alcohol problem that needs addressing.

Continue reading "California DUI School" »

The Marine Corps Times reported in an article on January 6, 2009, that Lance Corporal Quintin Garza, 21, pleaded not guilty to California DUI charges stemming from a fatal New Year’s Day crash on a San Diego County road.

Prosecutors allege that Garza was driving through a winding stretch of El Camino Real near Rancho Santa Fe when his vehicle collided with a parked SUV owned by Gaudencio Reyes-Quintana. Reyes-Quintana’s vehicle was stuck in the mud, and California Highway Patrol officers believe that Reyes-Quintana was standing outside of the vehicle when Garza crashed.

Garza’s attorney notes that the vicinity was foggy that night with areas of drizzle, which along with curvy roads and limited sight lines may have contributed to the car accident. Garza himself was unconscious when police officers arrived at the scene.

Continue reading "Camp Pendleton Marine Pleads Not Guilty To DUI Crash" »