9. Must I complete DUI classes?
In a typical Sonoma County adult first DUI case with no allegation of refusal, injury or other aggravating circumstances, and no viable defenses, most California licensees are required to complete a DUI program consisting of weekly classes for three months. If you live in a different California county, a routine referral to a suitable program in your own county is available. Click on Ten Tips For Getting Your License Back on this site for a more detailed discussion about DUI classes.
If you live outside of California, then typically Sonoma County courts will permit a court resolution called "self enrollment" in any DUI program required by your home state. Once any DMV suspension period has concluded, you may contact the California DMV in Sacramento and request a form attesting to your non-California residency to be mailed to your non-California address. Click here to see a sample Form Requesting Termination Of Suspension. (Do not simply print and complete these forms; DMV may flag your effort as possibly fraudulent. If you qualify -- ask a local Santa Rosa DUI lawyer -- then you may call the number listed and request the newest form be sent to you). Normal DMV practice is to send you a Form DL4006 with specific requirements for your situation (typically signing the form, enclosing proof of residency, and enclosing a fee payment). Completion and return of the DL4006 form typically results in the California DMV relieving you of the requirement to attend and complete the California DUI program and is designed to clear your California DMV record so that you may deal directly with your home state regarding any remaining requirements to full reinstatement of driving privileges (CVC 13353.5).
If you are a non-resident, and the Sonoma County court is unwilling to allow self-enrollment, then your Santa Rosa DUI attorney may request that any DUI program requirement be satisfied with completion of an Internet DUI Program for non-California license holders. Although this type of program may only appease the court and does not satisfy the California DMV program requirement, successful completion of the form procedure above will typically accomplish the clearing of your California DMV record. There are other possible alternatives which your Sonoma DUI attorney can discuss with you. Consult with a Sonoma County DUI lawyer about your specific case.