The AB-541 is a standard program for a first offense DUI conviction. This program is required by the court, and by the DMV to get your license reinstated after a conviction. If your license is suspended by the DMV, after the APS hearing, then you can get a restricted license 30 days after your suspension begins. One of the requirements to get a restricted drivers license is to provide the DMV with proof of enrollment in the AB-541 program. This program usually consists of both group and individual sessions. If you complete the program for DMV purposes, before you are convicted in Court, the Court will give you credit for completing the program (you will NOT have to take it twice if later convicted).
Certain courts have various internal requirements for getting enrolled in the alcohol program. Our clients can go into court feeling confident that their attorney knows all the nuances of that particular court. For example, in the Metropolitan courthouse, Room 609 is their Alcohol Program Office. If someone is ordered to attend an alcohol program, after a conviction in this Courthouse, they must go directly to Room 609 to get information about enrollment. The Alcohol Program Office later verifies that you’re in good standing, or that you’ve completed the program, when you submit your proof of progress or proof of completion to the court.
At The Law Office of Ben Mironer, we walk you through this process if you’re in court to resolve your case. We sometimes resolve matters without the client ever having to come to court, in which case we personally get them enrolled in an alcohol program in Room 609. Most courts in LA County, and The Hall of Justice Courthous in Ventura County, have a similar type of office to monitor progress and completion of the alcohol program. An attorney from our office remains available to our clients, even after their case resolves. We ensure that our clients are aware of deadlines and all of the requirements from the DMV, and from the Court. We are always there to provide answers to any questions they may have down the road.
Out of state residents may be permitted upon request to complete this AB-541 requirement with an online program or an equivalent in their home state. However, if you intend to reside in California in the future, it is important to note that the DMV has their own out of state waiver requirements in their suspensions. It is important to have an experienced attorney from The Law Office of Ben Mironer to answer your questions in this area. This is the type of knowledge that your attorney must have in order to ensure you get the best representation.