Services provided: Information on DUI programs; administration of county contracts with DUI program contractors.
Drinking Driver FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- I got arrested for driving under the influence, what are the programs like?
They include group education, group counseling & individual counseling. First offense programs range from 12 hours/8+ weeks, to 63 hours/9months, depending on what the court sentences you to and what DMV requires you to do. Multiple offense programs are 77+ hours over an 18 month period. If you’re convicted of DUI and the court does not order you to complete a DUI program, DMV will usually require you to complete a program to get your license back. (Frequently, both agencies will require you to complete a program. If your court and DMV require you to do different DUI programs, ask the County's Drinking Driver Program for recommendations.)
- Do I have to pay for my program? How much are they?
Yes, unless the program determines that you are eligible for a waiver of the program fee. If you feel you can’t afford the program fee, ask your DUI program for a fee assessment appointment. They’ll schedule an appointment with you and tell you what income documentation to bring to the appointment. They will use that to determine if you are low-income by state standards, middle-income or high-income. Low-income clients receive a program fee waiver. For those who pay full fee, program fees are:
| Wet Reckless Program* |
$479 |
| 3-month First Offense Program |
$920 |
| 6-month First Offense Program |
$1,370 |
| 9-month First Offense Program |
$1,717 |
| Multiple Offense Program |
$2,610 |
*The Wet Reckless Program is for a lesser offense than a DUI.
- How do I get into a program?
You are generally ordered by a court or required by DMV to complete a program. If you have referral paperwork take it to the appropriate program below.
First Offense and Multiple Offense (all ages)
- ALTO Counseling Center - North County
380 Encinal St, Suite 200
Santa Cruz, CA. 95060
(831) 423-2003
First Offense and Multiple Offense DUI programs
English/Spanish
- ALTO Counseling Center - South County
585B Auto Center Dr.
Watsonville, CA. 95076
(831) 728-2233
First Offense and Multiple Offense DUI programs
English/Spanish
- DUI Resource Center
(831) 621 - 2685
4245 Capitola Rd, Suite 202,
Capitola, CA 95010
(Across the street from the Capitola DMV)
Information: English | Spanish
- Janus of Santa Cruz
200 7th Ave., Suite 150
Santa Cruz, CA. 95062
(831) 462-1060
First Offense and Multiple Offense DUI programs
English/Spanish
NOTE: California law now adds requirements to multiple offender clients who fail the program for other than failure to pay the program fee. If you fail to complete a court-ordered multiple offense program for reasons such as excessive absences or failure to maintain contact with the program, the additional requirements are applied.