Marin County DUI Court Programs

DUI and Drug Court Programs Available for Drunk Driving Offenders in San Rafael

The State of California has licensed alcohol and drug education courses for individuals convicted of DUI, or who have had their driver's license suspended by the California DMV. Marin County has only one program provider, and it is offered by Bay Area Community Resources in San Rafael. There are DUI court programs for both first-time and multiple DUI offenders. Adult drug court is also available for non-violent drug offenders and multiple DUI offenders and is a potential way to minimize or avoid jail time.

There are five different DUI courses available in Marin County for drunk driving offenders:

• 12-Hour "Wet & Reckless" Program: A program which provides a minimum of 12 hours of education for individuals who are charged with alcohol-related reckless driving, commonly referred to as a "wet reckless." This program is designed to encourage participants to address alcohol-related issues and behaviors and foster constructive behavioral changes.
• First-Time DUI 15-Week Program: Fifteen-week/30-hour group counseling and education program for first-time DUI offenders. The education component runs for six weeks, consisting of lectures, videos, and group discussions using various informational materials. The group counseling component runs nine weeks and allows participants to discuss their struggles with alcohol in a supportive environment.
• First-Time DUI 6 Month Program: Six-month/45-hour first-time DUI offender group counseling and education program. Education component still runs for six weeks, and the group counseling component is extended to 16 weeks. This Course is rarely ordered by the Marin Courts.
• First-Time DUI 9 Month Program: Nine-month/60-hour first-time DUI offender group counseling and education program with an education component that runs for six weeks and a group counseling component that is extended to 24 weeks. This program is typically ordered where the chemical test result for alcohol is .20 percent or higher, or the defendant refused a chemical test.
• Multiple DUI Program: 18-month/72-hour program for multiple DUI offenders that consists of three phases: education, group counseling, and community re-entry.

Marin County Drug Court

Adult drug court allows certain non-violent drug offenders the opportunity to participate in a court-sponsored program designed to provide the help they need to turn their lives around and become sober and productive members of society. The Marin County drug court program lasts a minimum of 13 months, and during that time, participants are required to receive drug treatment and counseling, participate in self-help programs, and meet with their probation officer on a regular basis. Upon successful completion of the program, participants are typically able to have their drug-related criminal charges dismissed.

Speak With an Experienced Marin County DUI Defense Attorney

Since 1985, Attorney Paul Burglin has successfully represented numerous individuals charged with DUI in Marin County and helped many recover from alcoholism and addiction. Attorney Burglin is the only lawyer in Marin County (and one of only five throughout the state) who is Board-Certified in DUI defense as approved by the American Bar Association. Since 2004, he has co-authored California Drunk Driving Law, a two-volume legal guide that is commonly referred to as the "Bible of DUI Defense." Attorney Burglin understands the inner workings of the Marin County court system, and what is necessary to qualify for court and DMV-mandated programs to help minimize the negative consequences of an alcohol or drug-related DUI charge.

For a discreet and confidential consultation with attorney Paul Burglin, contact our office today at 415-729-7300. We serve clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Marin County, including San Rafael, Corte Madera, Novato, Sausalito, Lagunitas, Belvedere, Bolinas, Dillon Beach, Fairfax, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Ignacio, Inverness, Kentfield, Larkspur, Marshall, Mill Valley, Muir Beach, Nicasio Valley, Olema, Point Reyes Station, Ross, San Anselmo, San Geronimo, Stinson Beach, Tiburon, Tomales, and Woodacre.