Most Rochester residents with no prior drinking and driving convictions are eligible to attend the Drinking Driver Program if convicted of an alcohol-related driving offense.

Attendance at the Drinking Driver Program is required to obtain a conditional driver’s license if the defendant wishes to continue driving for work, school, medical treatment and other necessities while his or her full driving privileges are suspended or revoked.

The Drinking Driver Program consists of seven sessions conducted once per week and lasting two to three hours per session.

Anyone attending the program will initially be required to undergo a preliminary screening test to determine if he or she needs additional substance abuse treatment.

Aside from this screening, the program consists of classroom presentations, discussions and group and individual activities.

Topics covered at the program include an overview of the impact of drinking and driving, highway traffic safety and driver safety, the physical impact of the consumption of alcohol and how it influences the ability to drive, alcoholism as a disease, and the detection of alcohol abuse.

The program totals 16 hours and attendees are expected not only to listen to presentation and watch films, but also to interact and participate.

A driver who chooses not to attend the Drinking Driver Program or fails to complete it may not hold a conditional driver’s license.

Even for drivers who are not concerned about having a conditional driver’s license, the court may make attendance at the Drinking Driver Program a mandatory part of the defendant’s sentence.

Most drivers who have never been arrested for drinking and driving do not know what to expect and need the help of an experienced DWI lawyer.

If you have been arrested for DWI, we would be happy to discuss your case at 585-484-7432.