Connecticut has some of the strictest DUI laws in the United States, ranking 7th out of all the 50 states. However, despite the oftentimes harsh consequences, the state recognizes that jail and fines are always not the best methods of punishing drivers, which is why Connecticut established the Pretrial Alcohol Education Program (PAEP). Here’s what you need to know.
Pretrial Alcohol Education Program
The purpose of the PAEP is to help those with substance abuse issues face their problems without having to be incarcerated. The PAEP is an alternative to a conviction, but only for the first time DUI offenders. An offender who attends the PAEP, which is a series of alcohol education classes, may have their DUI case dismissed, and no conviction on their record.
There are two educational levels of the PAEP: one that is 10 weeks of and the other that is 15 weeks. A program evaluator determines which course is right for you and your personal situation. While it may seem like a long time, the class only meets once a week and for only an hour and a half. The third level is treatment, which is the alternative to intervention classes. Commonly recommended levels of treatment are standard outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospital, residential, and inpatient detoxification. The minimum number of sessions is twelve, and there is no statutory maximum. It is important to note that being admitted to the AEP does not automatically mean you’ll complete the program. If you miss several class or your instructor feels you’re not invested, you cannot complete the program. Your DUI case could get sent back to court and you could still be convicted of a DUI. Additionally, if you are arrested again for DUI before your case is dismissed the AEP will be terminated, even if you have completed the classes.
Locations
If you want to join the AEP, you must pay between $500-750. Class are available at the following locations:
- Ansonia
- Bridgeport
- Danbury
- Enfield
- Hartford
- Manchester
- Middletown
- Milford
- New Britain
- New Haven
- New London
- New Milford
- Norwalk
- Norwich
- Stamford
- Torrington
- Waterbury
- Willimantic
For more information, you can head over to the 2-1-1 website from United Way of Connecticut.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, please contact our Connecticut DUI attorneys at The Sills Law Firm. Receiving a DUI can be stressful and overwhelming, but if you enlist our legal guidance, we can walk you through the entire process.
Call (860) 524-8118 or contact us online to talk to a lawyer.
