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The Driving Under the Influence (DUI) programs are State-mandated services required following a conviction for DUI. The objectives of the DUI program are to reduce the number of repeat DUI offenses by persons who complete a state-licensed DUI program, and to provide participants an opportunity to address issues related to the use of alcohol and/or other drugs.
There are several program levels, determined by the type of DUI offense. The specific program a defendant is assigned to depends on their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at the time of arrest and any prior convictions for DUI.
DUI programs are licensed and monitored by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and governed by Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.
The Orange County Health Care Agency reviews program licensure applications and provides recommendations to the State. DUI programs currently licensed by the State are also referred to as DUI providers. The County is responsible for monitoring DUI providers operating within Orange County to ensure they are in compliance with Title 9 requirements. The County also serves as a liaison between the Court, the Probation Department (for Juvenile Program only) and DUI providers and manages the DUI program referral system. In addition, the County responds to public inquiries and complaints.
For more information or questions, contact the DUI Program Supervisor, Joey Pham, at (714) 834-3176 or jopham@ochca.com.
DUI Program Providers must comply with Title 9 and all licensing requirements, and they must give the County access to carry out its monitoring responsibilities.
The Court System has the final authority to determine which program a defendant must complete in order to satisfy court requirements. At the Court’s discretion, a defendant may be assigned to a program that differs from the one typically associated with their BAC level. See the DUI Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
DUI programs are designed to help participants reflect on their attitudes and behavior, support positive lifestyle changes, and reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Juvenile
This level is for underage drivers (under age 18) who are ordered into a program as part of their probation. There is one provider in Orange County for this program level. Youth ordered to the Juvenile program will be referred by the Probation department directly. - Wet & Reckless Program (SB1176)
This is a 12 hour alcohol and drug education program for persons arrested with measurable amounts of alcohol in their blood, but below the DUI limit of .08 BAC. Drivers, ages 18 to 20, who are convicted of DUI may also be ordered to a similar program under Penal Code 23140. For a full list see the provider lists section. - 3 Month Program (AB541)
This is considered a first offender program for defendants with BAC levels in the lower end. It consists of 34 hours of drug/alcohol education, group counseling, face to face interviews and additional County requirements. Specific details are listed in the participant contract. - 6 Month Program (AB762)
This is considered a first offender program for defendants with higher BAC levels. It consists of 48 hours of drug/alcohol education, group counseling, face to face interviews and additional County requirements. Specific details are listed in the participant contract. - 9 Month Program (AB1353)
This is considered a first offender program for defendants with the highest BAC levels. It consists of 65 hours of drug/alcohol education, group counseling, face to face interviews and additional County requirements. Specific details are listed in the participant contract. - 12 Month Program
This program is considered an “enhancement” for first offenders. The Court can, at its discretion, order a defendant to a 12 month program, usually depending on the circumstances of the offense and the person’s BAC. Specific details are listed in the participant contract. - 18 Month Program (SB1344)
Second and subsequent DUI offenders must complete an 18-month program. Often times this program is referred to as a multiple offender program. This program consists of 12 hours of alcohol and drug education, 52 hours of group counseling, biweekly individual interviews during the first 12 months of the program, and six hours of community reentry monitoring. Additional hours may also be required by the County. Specific details are listed in the participant contract. - 30 Month program
Orange County does not currently offer this level of program. Program requirements are: 12 hours of alcohol and drug education, 78 hours of group counseling, individual interviews, and up to 300 hours of community service.