Alcohol Education Courses in Minnesota | Impaired Driver Courses

DWI laws prohibit anyone from operating a vehicle if they are intoxicated by alcohol, controlled substances, or any intoxicating substance. When a person is charged or convicted of driving while impaired, they may face court-ordered alcohol education courses in Minnesota. Schedule a consultation with a seasoned DUI attorney to learn more about when these courses are often ordered and the types of courses that people may be required to take.

Who Might Be Ordered to Complete Alcohol Education Courses?

Perhaps the most common time for a person in Minnesota to be ordered to take alcohol education courses is when they have been convicted of a DWI for operating a motorized vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. State law requires all individuals convicted of a DWI or other alcohol-related offense to undergo a chemical dependency assessment that the defendant pays for. This assessment will include recommendations for the individual’s treatment, often including alcohol education courses. There are courses specifically designed for cases involving impairment due to substance use, as well as courses for people under 18 who have been convicted of minor in possession offenses. It should be noted that cases involving impaired boating or ATVing may also involve alcohol education courses.

In some cases, these courses may be ordered at the request of the defendant’s attorney before conviction, often as part of a pre-trial diversion program in which a person avoids having a conviction on their record by completing certain requirements, or as part of a plea bargain. The courses can also be required to get one’s license reinstated after an administrative suspension.

What Type of Alcohol Education Is Typically Ordered in DWI Cases?

There are several types of alcohol education courses that may be ordered in Minnesota, including the following:

Level 1 education, which is typically ordered for first-time offenders who have been convicted of DWI with a blood alcohol content of less than .16 and who do not have a history of alcohol or drug disorders. This program is usually 12 hours long and provides basic information to prevent first-time offenders from repeating offenses
Level 2 education, which is often twice the length of the Level 1 course, and commonly ordered for repeat DWI offenders and those found in their chemical dependency assessment to have an alcohol or drug use disorder.
Minor in Possession classes, intended for those under age 21 who have been convicted of an alcohol or drug-related offense, usually as part of a diversion program.

Courses are available in person, and can be obtained through the county where the offense or conviction occurred. Many counties also allow individuals to complete their alcohol education courses online. Upon completing a state-accredited course, the individual is given a certificate of completion to be submitted to the court to show compliance with the order.

Contact Us To Learn More About Minnesota Alcohol Education Courses

Each DWI case is unique and requires a different strategy to achieve the best possible outcome. An attorney may negotiate a plea bargain or advocate for the defendant to participate in a diversion program and alcohol education courses in Minnesota. One of the important services the legal team at BK Law Group could provide is guidance and information about different aspects of DWI cases, including alcohol education courses. Contact us to speak with an attorney about your case.