Jail time is mandatory for all convictions of DUI in Arizona. However, if you submit to an alcohol and/or drug screening and complete the recommended education or treatment the court may suspend part of your jail time.

Typically you will be asked to submit to the alcohol/drug screening immediately after your sentence has been ruled upon. In most cases the screening office is located in the courthouse. However, you may be able to re-schedule. The screening process, on the average, takes about 2 hours and consists of a multiple-choice test and a review conducted by a substance abuse screener. The exam asked questions such as “Do your family members tell you that you have a drinking problem?” or “Do you blackout when you drink?” and measures truthfulness and the probability of a drinking or drug problem.

After you have completed the test, you will be called in to speak with a counselor who will further question you and determine the appropriate education and/or treatment. If you don’t have a drinking or drug problem it is possible that you will not be required to complete any education or treatment, however, in most cases 2-6 8 hour (M.A.D.D.) classes are recommend and therefore required if you want your prison time to be reduced.

Arizona Behavioral Counseling, Inc (A.B.C.) typically organizes and conducts the program. Classes are usually held 9:00 am to 5:30 pm on Sunday and the counselors do require that you stay the entire time. A reminder confirming the class schedule should be mailed a week or so in advance. The program covers the effects alcohol has on the body, addiction and treatment, and a self-analysis. To reinforce awareness about the dangers of drunk driving, stories of alcohol related accidents are told.

Informational packets and movies are provided by the National Council on Alcoholism:

 http://www.ncadd.org/

**Classes sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving may also be ordered by the court.