The New York Department Of Motor Vehicles operates the Drinking Driver Program, which is a mandatory alcohol and drug rehabilitation program that all motorists who are convicted of a DWAI, DWI, or other alcohol related charge are required to attend in order to obtain a conditional license, and to be reinstated to full unrestricted driving privileges after their sentence has been completed.

The DDP is a seven week class which entails a total of 16 hours of coursework. The cost as of June of 2011 is $225.00 with a $75.00 enrollment fee. During the classes, to paraphrase the DMV, the goals are to “examine the reason for the arrest and help the driver make better decisions in the future.”

Significantly, if you have been convicted or pled guilty to any drunk driving charge within the previous 5 years, you are not eligible to take the drinking driver program, and are not eligible to obtain a conditional license, which license allows you to drive to and from work, school, to pick up children from day care, for medical care, and to Court-ordered programs, including the DDP and for alcohol treatment. The Court may order you to attend the DDP even if you are not eligible, but in that scenario, completion of the program will not entitle you to obtain a conditional license.

At the White Plains, New York Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we have the necessary experience and background to provide our clients with aggressive and knowledgeable representation in fighting the charges against them, which threaten their livelihoods and financial stability. We strive to obtain the best possible outcome for our clients either by fighting the charges at trial, or resolution of the charges in a plea bargain carefully negotiated with the DA’s office. Our goal is always to reduce as much as possible the impact of any criminal charges, license suspensions, and fines.