In Colorado, DUI means Driving Under the Influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two. DWAI means Driving While Ability Impaired (a lesser-offense than DUI).
1. How long do I have to wait to get into treatment at Arapahoe House?
Arapahoe House will work to get you into treatment as soon as possible. If you are on a waiting list, you may participate in our electronic therapy services (E-TREAT) until you are able to start group. Please contact our Information and Access Team at 303.657.3700 or e-mail info@ahinc.org. Phone lines are open Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
2. How long do the classes/treatment last?
Depending on multiple factors (such as your blood alcohol level at the time of the DUI and if you’ve had multiple DUI offenses) you will be assigned to complete a certain number of DUI group hours. This could range from a 12 hour class completed on the weekend up to a year of group treatment. Your counselor will talk with you about this during your registration appointment.
3. How much does it cost?
For current DUI fees, please contact our Information and Access Team at 303.657.3700 or e-mail info@ahinc.org. Phone lines are open Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fees must be collected before you start class. Someone will talk with you about this during your registration appointment.
4. What are the classes like?
Depending on how many hours of DUI services you are assigned, you will participate in educational classes or treatment groups. There are generally 10-12 people in a class/group.
5. Where do I go for class?
Classes are held at several of our locations in Lakewood, Denver, Aurora, Commerce City and Thornton. You will be able to register for class at a location most convenient for you.
6. If I was sent to Arapahoe House by someone else how will they (probation, social services, etc.) know that I completed the classes?
Your counselor will ask you to sign a consent to release information, giving us your permission to talk to whomever referred you. With your permission, Arapahoe House will send them notice when you have completed the classes.
7. Will I have to do urine tests or breathalyzer tests?
This will depend on what is required as a condition of your services, or if the counselor asks that you do as part of your classes.
8. Will doing classes help me when I go to court?
We are not in a position to say for certain that participating in or completing classes before you go to court will help or not. This is a question best discussed with the attorney who represents you for the DUI/DWAI charge.
There may be ways classes may help that are not obvious at the time of arrest. For many people, a DUI arrest is an event that causes them to think about how and/or how much they drink or use other drugs. For many, the arrest is an unwelcome opportunity to look at how using and driving fits or doesn’t fit into their lives.
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