First-time misdemeanor DUI defendants in Nevada must complete an eight-hour drug and alcohol education course known as the DUI School. This course can be completed in person or online, typically costing around $100.
Defendants with high BAC levels may also be ordered to complete the Coroner’s DUI program. It is designed to help defendants understand how their choice to drive under the influence affects themselves, their friends, family, and community.
If defendants fail to complete the Nevada DUI class by the deadline the court specified, they may face up to six months in jail or up to 96 hours of community service. However, if they inform the court in advance that they need an extension, judges may be willing to grant them additional time to complete the program.
1. Nevada DUI School Explained
DUI School is an eight-hour program that educates on traffic safety and the perils of driving under the influence. Judges mandate first-time drunk driving offenders in Nevada to complete the program.
The completion timeline is typically between six and three months. Defendants usually opt for an online course rather than attending a classroom. Once a defendant pleads guilty or no contest, the court clerk provides information on how and where to complete the course.
1.1.Individuals with a second-offense DUI within 7 years may be ordered to attend DUI school, but the court may find it more reasonable to order the individual to a treatment program under supervised care for whatever period it deems fit. Coroner’s DUI Program
In Clark County, some individuals charged with DUI may be required to complete a Nevada DUI course and a Coroner’s DUI Program. This additional penalty is usually imposed if the defendant has a 0.18% BAC or higher.
The Coroner’s Program is conducted in person at the Coroner’s Office, where students are shown images of victims who died in drunk or drugged driving collisions. However, due to COVID-19, judges may postpone or cancel this requirement. Students are not required to witness any actual autopsies.
2. What if Charges Get Reduced to Reckless Driving?
Judges often ask defendants to pay first-time drunk driving penalties, including enrolling in a DUI class, even if the defendant’s charge is reduced to reckless driving through a plea bargain.
3. What is DUI School Like?
The Nevada online DUI School consists of a set of lessons, which are succeeded by review questions and a final exam upon completion. This online course is more rigorous than traditional driving school courses. The in-class program is a blend of various components, including:
- Video presentations
- In-class exercises
- Class discussions
- Lectures
- A final exam
The final exam contains multiple-choice questions. If students cannot pass, they can opt for one retake without paying any additional charges. Upon successfully completing the course, defendants are awarded a certificate of completion.
4. Are These Classes Available Online?
It is common for defendants to choose the online course as it allows them to finish it at their own convenience from home. However, those who do not have internet access can opt for a traditional classroom setting to complete the program. That said, due to COVID-19, this may not be a feasible option.
5. How Long is DUI School?
In Nevada, judges generally mandate an eight-hour program for individuals who commit a first-time misdemeanor DUI offense. However, in some cases, if the defendant’s blood alcohol content was exceptionally high or there were other extraordinary circumstances, the judge may order a 24 or 16-hour alcohol and drug course.
5.1.Online
The online course is designed to cover a total of eight hours of work and offers the flexibility to pause and resume the course at the learner’s own convenience.
5.2.Classroom
Classrooms are conducted on Saturdays between 8 in the morning and 4:30 in the afternoon.
6. How Much Does Nevada DUI School Cost?
Course costs can vary depending on the school and program. Here is a breakdown of what DUI school typically costs in Nevada:
| Online DUI School Type | Cost |
| 24-hour Level 3 Alcohol/Drug Class | $325 |
| 16-hour Level 2 Alcohol/Drug Class | $275 |
| 8-hour standard first-offense class | $185-$89 |
| Clark County Coroner’s Program | $150 |
7. What if An Individual Can’t Finish the Course Before the Deadline?
If the defendant cannot complete the DUI class by the assigned deadline, the judge may consider providing additional time if there is a valid reason. This is usually the case if the defendant:
- Is suffering from an illness
- Has caregiving obligations or
- Is unable to pay for the class
However, informing the court beforehand about the reasons for not completing the class is crucial. Judges may be hesitant to grant an extension if the deadline has already passed.
8. Can You Go to Jail for Not Completing DUI School?
When a person pleads guilty to a DUI charge, the judge gives them a six-month suspended jail sentence. This means that the defendant can avoid jail time in Nevada if they complete all the other sentencing requirements, including attending a DUI School.
But the judge may still impose this six-month sentence if the defendant fails to attend the DUI class by the deadline. So, defendants should inform the court beforehand if and why they cannot attend the class on time so the judge can extend the deadline and the defendant won’t need to face the six-month jail sentence. Ultimately, judges appreciate being notified early and are more likely to grant an extension if the defendant provides a valid reason.
9. Where Can You Find DUI Classes?
Please use our extensive directory of DUI schools in Nevada to find detailed information on driving safety programs across the state, including locations, costs, and websites. The directory includes some of the popular online programs such as:
- Legal Rehab Services (LRS)
- ABC Drive Safe
However, before enrolling in a class, defendants should ensure their court accepts it. Most courts provide referrals to recognized schools.
10. A Few Other Drunk Driving Penalties
Besides attending the class, initial offenders of driving under the influence in Nevada are subjected to the following penalties:
- Driver’s license revocation for 185 days by the Nevada DMV. Individuals may get a restricted license after installing an IID in their vehicle.
- Suspended jail sentence for six months
- An order that tells individuals to avoid citations and arrests while their DUI case is open
- Attending a victim impact panel like MADD
- Fines ranging between $400 and $1,000