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Intoxicated Driver Program
Wisconsin is serious about reducing the personal loss and tragedy brought about by impaired driving. That’s why the law doesn’t stop at just a fine and license suspension. State law requires you to complete an assessment and a driver safety plan in order for you to have full driving privileges in Wisconsin and other states. The Hope Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse, Inc. is required by law to follow certain procedures. Throughout your contact with us you will be treated in a respectful, courteous and professional manner. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. What is an Assessment? Getting Started How to Schedule an Assessment Appointment You must come into the Hope Council office to set up an appointment for your assessment. There is paperwork that needs to be completed, and the assessment fee is due before we can schedule an appointment. Acceptable payment types are cash, check, money order, MasterCard or Visa. Payment arrangements are also available, but full payment must be received before an appointment is scheduled. You should schedule your assessment within 14 days of your conviction or within 45 days of your order from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. If you wish to cancel or reschedule, you must contact the HOPE Council within 24 hours of your appointment to avoid a no-show fee.
The assessment appointment consists of an interview with a state of Wisconsin-trained alcohol and other drug abuse assessor. Its purpose is to determine your level of alcohol or other drug use. The appointment normally takes 45 minutes to an hour. You are expected to abstain from any use of alcohol, illegal or non-prescribed drugs for 24 hours preceding your scheduled assessment appointment. In some cases a second visit or permission to contact a family member or other person will be required. All information is kept strictly confidential. The Department of Transportation and the agency to which you are referred to complete your driver safety plan will receive copies of your assessment and driver safety plan.
Assessments are mandated for every person convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated or impaired. Depending on the individual’s situation, an assessment can be completed voluntarily before a conviction (pre-trial) or after conviction. If you complete the assessment before your conviction, completion of the driver safety plan may be required by the Department of Transportation even if you are not convicted. Completing the assessment and the driver safety plan are required for you to continue driving in Wisconsin. If you do not comply, the Hope Council is required by law to send a non-compliance report to the Department of Transportation, and your driving privileges may be withdrawn. State law has set timelines for the requirements, so prompt participation is important.
During the assessment interview, a driver safety plan will also be developed and required of you based upon the results of the assessment. Driver safety plans usually result in a referral to either an education program (Traffic Safety School), a treatment program, or, in some cases, both. You will likely also be required to attend an Impact Panel presentation. When you have successfully completed your assessment and driver safety plan, the Hope Council will send a completion report to the Department of Transportation, and your driving privileges may be fully reinstated. If you do not promptly complete the assessment and driver safety plan, the Council is required by law to send a non-compliance report to the Department of Transportation, and your driving privileges may be withdrawn.
Fees
State law permits that fees be associated with all aspects of the Intoxicated Driver Program process. The following fees apply in Kenosha County:
Costs will vary depending on whether your Driver Safety Plan involves education and/or treatment. You are responsible for all education costs. If your Driver Safety Plan involves treatment, a determination is made as to your costs based on your insurance coverage and your ability to pay. Please be sure to have insurance information with you at the time of the assessment, if applicable.
Additional fees may be charged for not completing requirements in a timely fashion. A non-compliance report will be sent to the Department of Transportation if fees are not paid and your driving privileges may be withdrawn.
A non-compliance fee will be charged if:
Help is available if you have an alcohol or other drug problem. We encourage you not to put off scheduling your assessment. Hope Council hours: Monday & Wednesday 8 AM – 5 PM Tuesday & Thursday 8 AM – 8 PM Friday 8 AM – 3 PM Payment plans are available! Responsibility for completing Wisconsin’s OWI law requirements is entirely yours!
If you have questions regarding the Intoxicated Driver Program, please contact Cheryl Pataska at 262.658.8166 or cheryl@hopecouncil.org.
