Maryland’s Alcohol Education Program (AEP) is an initiative to rehabilitate people who have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI). AEP is a 12-hour instructional program and you may be assigned to take this class for one of the following reasons
- You were ordered to by a District Court Judge
- You were referred by an Administrative Law Judge in the Office of Administrative Hearings
- You applied for a new driver’s license after your original one was revoked due to an alcohol-related incident.
Prior to taking the class, you will have to submit to a preliminary alcohol assessment. The results of the assessment will determine whether you have alcohol dependence or would be considered an alcohol abuser. If you are found to be an alcohol abuser or alcohol dependent you will be required to take the longer 26-hour Alcohol Treatment Program.
AEP will usually involve presentations about the dangers of alcohol and the effects that alcohol can have on the body. There may also be speakers at the program talking about the effects that DUI has had on their lives.
HOW DO I ENROLL IN AEP?
When you are referred to AEP, must enroll in the class within 90 days of the referral. The referral date can be found on the letter you will receive from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Sign up for a class with an AEP provider and take your referral letter with you to the class. You will be required to pay for the cost of the AEP. When you have completed the class, you will receive a letter verifying your completion from the program provider.
WHAT IF I DON’T ATTEND AEP?
If you don’t attend AEP by the due date specified in the referral letter, the MVA will suspend your driver’s license. You will receive a letter of suspension and be instructed to turn your license into an MVA office. You will need to complete the course in order to get your license back. If you were ordered to AEP in lieu of another punishment, such as jail time or a fine, a failure to attend the AEP may result in the court imposing the other punishment.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI or DWI, you want an experienced Maryland DUI attorney on your side. The experienced attorneys at Alpert Schreyer, LLC are here to help. Contact us online or call is at 301-321-7277 to set up your free consultation.
