The Driving Under the Influence (DUI) programs are State mandated programs, following conviction for DUI. The objective of the DUI program is to reduce the number of repeat DUI offenses by completing a State-licensed DUI program and to provide participants an opportunity to address problems related to the use of alcohol and/or other drugs.
There are multiple levels of program, depending on the type of offense. The program levels, are sometimes referred to by their original names, based on the legislation that initiated them. The program level to which a defendant is ordered is tied to the person’s blood alcohol level (BAC) at the time of arrest and the defendant’s prior convictions for DUI.
DUI programs are licensed and monitored by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and governed by Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.
Orange County is responsible for reviewing program licensure applications and making recommendations to the State. The County is also responsible for monitoring DUI providers licensed and doing business in Orange County to ensure compliance with Title 9, as well as, carry out liaison services between the Court, the probation department, DUI programs and interested parties at the County level. The County is responsible for developing and implementing the DUI programs referral system. For more information about our office and services, see the link Alcohol Liaison Office (ALO). The County also responds to public inquiries and complaints.
DUI Program Providers are responsible for adhering to Title 9 and their licensure regulations, and they are required to provide access to the County to enable it to conduct its monitoring responsibilities.
The Court System has ultimate responsibility for making decisions about what program a defendant must complete in order to satisfy the court case. At the Court’s discretion, a defendant may be ordered to a program other than what is specified by the defendant’s blood alcohol level (BAC). See the DUI Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
The DUI programs are designed to enable participants to consider attitudes and behavior, support positive lifestyle changes, and reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Juvenile
This program level is for underage drivers (under age 18) who are ordered into it as part of their probation. There is 1 provider in Orange County for this program level, Gold Coast Counseling. Youth ordered to the Juvenile program will be referred by the Probation department directly.
- Behavioral Health Training Services Reckless (SB 1176)
This is a 12 hour alcohol and drug education program for persons arrested with measurable amounts of alcohol in their blood, but below the DUI limit. Drivers, ages 18 to 20, who are convicted of DUI may also be ordered to a similar program under Penal Code 23140. For a full list see the provider lists section.
- 3 Month program (AB541)
This is considered a first offender program for defendants with BAC levels in the lower end. It consists of 34 hours of drug/alcohol education, group counseling, face to face interviews and additional County requirements, as described by the providers.
- 6 Month program (AB762)
This is considered a first offender program for defendants with higher BAC levels. It consists of 48 hours of drug/alcohol education, group counseling, face to face interviews and additional County requirements, as described by the providers.
- 9 Month program (AB762)
This is considered a first offender program for defendants with the highest BAC levels. It consists of 65 hours of drug/alcohol education, group counseling, face to face interviews and additional County requirements, as described by the providers.
- 12 Month program (AB762)
This program is considered an “enhancement” for first offenders. The Court can, at its discretion, order a defendant to a 12 month program, usually depending on the circumstances of the offense and the person’s BAC.
- 18 Month program (SB1344)
This is a multiple offender program. Defendants convicted for two or more DUIs, are typically ordered to the longer program. 18-month multiple offender programs consist of 12 hours of alcohol and drug education, 52 hours of group counseling, biweekly individual interviews, and 6 hours of community reentry monitoring. Additional hours may also be required by the County, as described by the provider.
- 30 Month program
Orange County does not currently offer this level of program. Program requirements are: 12 hours of alcohol and drug education, 78 hours of group counseling, individual interviews, and up to 300 hours of community service.
