Are you interested in Connecticut’s Alcohol Education Program (AEP)? Have you determined that you are eligible for this program? Congratulations! You’re on your way to attending the program and putting your DUI charge behind you. Here, I’ll help you with this process even more. I do this by providing the steps that you need to take in order to apply to the AEP. Following these steps will ensure that you apply correctly and are fully prepared to enter the program.
Applying for the Program
The first step in the application is filling out the paperwork and applying in court for the program. If you hire a DUI defense lawyer, they can submit the application for you. Once you submit the written application, which outlines your personal information, a hearing will be scheduled with the court. At this hearing, a judge will make sure that you are eligible for the program by asking you questions about your criminal history and the circumstances of your arrest. In most cases, if you are eligible, a judge will let you partake in the program. At this point, you will be asked to pay the $200 application fee and the date for your eligibility screening interview will be set.
The Screening Interview
After your initial hearing, the screening interview will be scheduled. Generally, this interview is scheduled for two to three weeks after your initial hearing. The screening interview will occur at an alcohol education facility. At this point, you will meet with a program counselor and they will determine if you are better suited for the 10 week or the 15 week program. The interview shouldn’t last more than 30 minutes. While you should be prepared for the interview, don’t stress about saying the wrong thing, as there are no right or wrong answers.
Acceptance to the Program
During your final court date, you will learn if you have been accepted to the alcohol education program. Hiring a DUI defense lawyer to provide an argument as to why you should be accepted to the program is a good idea, especially if the prosecution is recommending that you are not accepted to the program. Factors such as your blood alcohol content, your professional history, your personal history, your level of remorse, the risk of you getting another DUI in the future, and more, will be considered when granting or denying access to the program. A personal statement at this hearing might help your case.
If you are accepted into the program, you will have to pay an additional $350-500 to attend the program. If you are denied access to the program, or if you fail to complete the program, your DUI case will return to the criminal docket, and you will face the consequences of a DUI if convicted.
Hiring a DUI defense lawyer can increase your chances of being accepted to the Alcohol Education Program. Keep this in mind and consider contacting an attorney to help with your case.
