For those arrested for a DUI under the age of 21 in Los Angeles or Orange County, the court penalties include a requirement to attend a youth drug and alcohol deterrence program (YDAD).

The YDAD program offers participants insights into the effects of alcohol and drugs on their lives and shows participants the potential real life consequences of drinking and driving. The program includes an alcohol awareness class, a coroners visit, a visit to a trauma center and a MADD Victim Impact Panel Meeting.

At the alcohol awareness class, participants hear speakers whose lives have been impacted by the use of alcohol and drugs. The issues addressed include the legal, financial and health effects of alcohol use. The coroners visit can involve a vivid presentation by a coroner as to the effects of alcohol on the body. The trauma center visit involves participants meeting patients involved in alcohol related incidents, listening to experts from the trauma unit, a tour of the hospital and a video presentation concerning the effects of alcohol and drug abuse. Finally, the Mothers Against Drunk Driving victim impact panel visit is hosted by people whose lives have been significantly effected by incidents of drunk driving. Typically a parent who has lost a child to a drunk driver will talk about the devastating impact to the victims family.

The intention of the program is to provide participants with an experience which will impact them emotionally and result in the motivation never to take alcohol or drugs and drive again. The program typically costs about $225. At the end of the program, participants are required to write a one thousand word essay about their experience and what they have learned.

If you have any questions concerning the penalties for a DUI in California, please call Los Angeles and Orange County DUI lawyers Gold and Witham for a free consultation.