Clinical DUI

Alcohol and Drug Evaluations

Clinical Evaluation (DUI Evaluation)

$150

Add $50 if you need it done within 24-48 hours

Virtual Evaluations are available

Alcohol and Drug Evaluation – Clinical DUI

(applicable to those who received a DUI in the state of Georgia)

The majority of drivers arrested for DUI are instructed by a judge to undergo an alcohol and drug evaluation. The evaluation is completed by a clinical evaluator, and the treatment is provided by a treatment provider.

Alcohol and Drug Evaluation - Clinical DUI Court Approved

The evaluator (the person, not the company) must be on the registry of clinical evaluators (CE ). The treatment agency (the company) must also be registered as a treatment provider (TP). Both CEs and TPs can be verified here. The Diversion Center is a registered TP,  but we do not currently have a CE on staff. Generally, if you happen to be convicted of DUI, the alcohol and drug evaluation can be a compulsory part of your treatment and/or punishment.

You should discuss with your attorney about the possibility of arranging an alcohol and drug evaluation, as this gives the court and the prosecuting attorney the impression that you are taking the full responsibility for your actions. Going for the DUI evaluation as fast as possible also gives you the opportunity to understand the type of treatment plan that is recommended. The following issues should be considered when setting your evaluation arrangements.

DUI or NON-DUI?
A DUI Evaluation, also known as a clinical evaluation, is completed by a clinical evaluator specially certified by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities DUI Intervention Program. The clinical evaluator is specially trained to deal with DUI cases, and must comply with special restrictions, fill out special paperwork, and report evaluations to the state. Because this is a Georgia requirement, those who receive a DUI in another state do not require the services of a clinical evaluator. In addition, if your DUI charge was reduced to reckless driving, you do not need a clinical evaluation.

A non-DUI alcohol and drug evaluation is completed by, or under the supervision of, a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. This is not a counseling session; the appointment is made to determine if the client has a substance abuse problem, and how much treatment intervention is required to prevent relapse. Any charge that is not a DUI from Georgia can be treated as a non-DUI appointment.

Before the Evaluation
Before going to your alcohol and drug evaluation, please note that you will receive your completed evaluation if you are able to produce the following 3 items:

  1. Risk Reduction Certificate
  2. Needs Assessment
  3. Probation Officer’s contact information (fax number)

In many cases, probation officers tell you that you do not need to complete Risk Reduction until after the evaluation, but this is not true. Evaluators want to see that you are being proactive, and want to use this information when making their final recommendations.

With this evaluation, it is imperative that you stay sober, and that you tell the truth. You can only get the help you need if you accept that you have a problem and you want to get better.

Possible Treatment Recommendations
After completing the alcohol and drug evaluation, the testing counselor assesses all the data gathered, writes a report, and include any of these three labels that best describes you:

Insufficient Evidence
The label means that the test you underwent does not contain an enough evidence to prove that you have any kind of problem with drug or alcohol. In order to receive this recommendation, you must prove to the CE that you do not have an alcohol dependence. Note that you cannot just lie your way to this recommendation. This is reserved for rare occasions, and it is still possible for you to be ordered to take part in a one-day drug and alcohol program from a court-approved center.

Short-term Treatment
This label indicates that you are suffering from drug or alcohol abuse, or a potential for abuse, based on the data gathered during your alcohol and drug evaluation. If you are recommended this type of label, the counselor may recommend that you participate in a number of individual or group counseling sessions, typically between 6 and 12 sessions. This treatment must be conducted by a registered treatment provider, but does not have to be completed where you receive the evaluation.

Long-term Treatment
With a recommendation of long-term treatment, the evaluator has determined that you suffer from a substance use disorder, and you may be dangerous to yourself or others when using alcohol or drugs. If you receive this recommendation, you will be required to attend a long-term alcohol and drug treatment program with a Court-approved outpatient facility lasting between 4 and 12 months. This type of program may include group and individual discussions with a licensed treatment provider. Attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) gatherings many also be mandated as an additional stipulation.

Getting Counseling and Treatment
Luckily, when you get in trouble, there are a lot of options for you. Be wary of facilities that give treatment to everyone. Sometimes you are put in a bad situation or wrongly accused. Staff at the Diversion Center only give treatment to those who need it. Do your homework, look at reviews online and be sure that you aren’t going to be scammed. Make sure your provider is registered with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities DUI Intervention Program. If you ever have any questions, we are here to help. We will tell it to you straight, no BS. If you are in need of such assistance, the Diversion Center is the right option for you. Call us when you get in trouble.

Disclaimer: Please note that the following information is only applicable to those who received a DUI in the state of Georgia.

Contact us for more information