New York introduced the Impaired Driver Program to prevent fatalities, disabilities, and injuries from drug- and alcohol-related auto accidents. Formerly known as the Drinking Driver Program, the IDP teaches participants how to identify and change risky behaviors involving drugs and alcohol.
If you were convicted of a drug- or alcohol-related driving offense, then your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked. Depending on the facts of your case, it may be possible to obtain a conditional license if you complete the Impaired Driver Program.
If you were arrested for a drug- or alcohol-related driving violation, your first call should be to a criminal lawyer. Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law is a White Plains DWI attorney who will investigate your arrest, structure your defense, and aggressively protect your interests. He has been practicing law for 25 years.
Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a consultation. Until then, read on to learn more about New York’s Impaired Driver Program:
What Should I Expect in the Impaired Driver Program?
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, the IDP uses classroom discussions, individual and group activities, workbooks, and multimedia presentations to explain the dangers of impaired driving.
Each participant will undergo a screening to identify risk factors for substance abuse. If an individual has a high risk of a substance abuse disorder, then he or she may be referred to a clinical assessment or treatment.
You will have to attend seven weekly classes that last two to three hours each for a total of 16 hours. Afterward, your involvement with the IDP will be complete – unless you were referred to a formal assessment or treatment.
Whether or not you will be referred to a substance abuse assessment depends on:
- Your history of drug- or alcohol-related driving violation convictions;
- Your written self-inventory;
- If you specifically request help with a substance abuse problem;
- If you go to class under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Or if you are currently undergoing treatment for a substance abuse problem.
After you satisfy the requirements of the program, the IDP will give you a “Notice of Completion.” You will receive this information through an electronic transmission from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Depending on the status of your driver’s license, it may be restored or you may be able to apply for a new license.
However, you may not be eligible for a new license if:
- Your driving record has two or more drug- or alcohol-related driving violations;
- Your conditional license was revoked;
- You were younger than 21 when the drug- or alcohol-related driving offense occurred;
- You refused a drug or alcohol test on the date the violation happened;
- Or you were driving a commercial motor vehicle when you committed the drug- or alcohol-related driving offense.
If you have questions about New York’s Impaired Driver Program or defenses that apply to your charges, contact Darren DeUrso. As your New York DWI attorney, Mr. DeUrso will structure a comprehensive defense and help you fight for a positive outcome of your case. Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a consultation.