What Should You Expect As Part Of A DUI Assessment That's Been Mandated By The Court?

When you're arrested for a suspected DUI, it's common for courts to order you to take a DUI assessment. These assessments are given out by state-licensed counselors, and the purpose is to determine if you have an alcohol problem and how serious it is. If you've been ordered to take a DUI assessment, you may be wondering what the interview will be like. Below, you'll learn more about what you're likely to see during your DUI assessment.

Urine Screening

A DUI assessment may include a urine screen at the start of your interview. You'll provide a urine sample and it will be checked to see if you've drunk alcohol or taken any illegal drugs recently. The purpose of the urine screen is to see if you have remained sober after being arrested for a suspected DUI or if you've continued to drink. If you've continued to drink alcohol after your arrest, your counselor will likely place you in a higher risk category.

Alcohol Risk Assessment Questionnaire

The main portion of the DUI assessment is a questionnaire that asks about your risk factors for alcohol abuse. You'll be asked questions like whether you've ever drunk in the morning to stave off a hangover or had trouble stopping drinking after you've started. You'll also be asked questions that measure impulsiveness, like if you enjoy gambling or have taken recreational drugs.

The questionnaire attempts to determine whether or not you have a problem with alcohol and drug abuse, and it also assesses your likelihood of driving under the influence again.

Family and Friend Interviews

Your counselor may ask you for the phone numbers of family and friends as part of your DUI assessment. They'll call them and ask them about your habits surrounding drinking, drug use, and risk-taking behavior. Calling your family and friends gives them more information about your likelihood of having a problem with alcohol or drug abuse.

Once the DUI assessment is finished, your counselor will use all of the information they've collected to determine if you have a problem with drugs and alcohol along with its severity. Your assessment determines the length of treatment that will be required, and treatments can include attending DUI classes, going to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, or going to an intensive outpatient rehab program.

If the counselor believes that you have a serious, long-standing problem with alcohol, then you're more likely to be assigned a lengthy treatment program. The court will require you to complete your assigned treatment program successfully and provide proof that you've done so in order to get your license back after your DUI.

Overall, the main purpose of requiring DUI assessments is to keep everyone safe on the roads — those with severe drug or alcohol abuse issues will have to undergo a lengthy treatment program before they're allowed to drive again. If you've been mandated to take a DUI assessment by the court, you should answer the questions honestly and take them seriously. If you do have a longstanding problem with alcohol abuse leading up to your DUI, it can help direct you to the resources you need to stay sober.

For more information on a DUI assessment, contact a professional near you.


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