Facing a DUI charge in Georgia may mean completing a court-ordered DUI Evaluation. A DUI Evaluation may be required by the court, your probation officer, or the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) as part of the process for reinstating your driver’s license.
Our licensed evaluators provide same-day DUI Evaluation appointments, both in person and virtually, across the metro Atlanta area, with more than 25 years of experience serving Georgia courts.
What Is a DUI Evaluation?
A DUI Evaluation, also called a DUI clinical evaluation, is a comprehensive, one-on-one assessment conducted by a licensed counselor to review your history with alcohol and other drugs after a DUI arrest.
A DUI Evaluation is not the same as a general Alcohol and Drug Evaluation. This DUI-specific clinical evaluation is formatted to meet Georgia court and DDS requirements related to restoring driving privileges.
During the DUI Evaluation, the evaluator gathers information about your alcohol or drug use, driving history, driving record, and the circumstances surrounding your DUI offense. Standardized screening tools help determine your risk level, and chemical testing may be part of the DUI Evaluation process.
Once the clinical evaluation is complete, the information gathered is documented in a written report and submitted, as required, to the appropriate court, probation office, probation officer, and Georgia DDS.
When Do You Need a DUI Evaluation in Georgia?
You may need a DUI Evaluation if you were arrested or convicted of a DUI in Georgia, were ordered by a court or probation officer to complete an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation, or if Georgia DDS requires an evaluation before reinstating your driver’s license.
A DUI Evaluation may also be required after a first DUI offense or multiple DUI offenses, which can involve a more detailed assessment.
DUI Evaluation vs. Alcohol and Drug Evaluation
A common point of confusion is the difference between a DUI Evaluation and a standard Alcohol and Drug Evaluation.
A general alcohol assessment may satisfy some court requirements, but it will not meet Georgia DDS requirements for restoring driving privileges after a DUI. If your charge involves a DUI, a drug evaluation, or a combined Alcohol and Drug Evaluation tied to a DUI arrest, you need the DUI-specific clinical evaluation, not a generic alcohol or drug assessment.
Our evaluators know which Georgia requirements apply to your case, so they can complete your DUI Evaluation correctly the first time and help avoid delays with the probation office, the Georgia Department of Human Services, and the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
What Happens During the DUI Evaluation?
A counselor conducts the DUI Evaluation either in person or virtually. A standard first-offense DUI Evaluation typically takes 45 to 60 minutes.
Clinical Interview
The evaluator asks about your current and past alcohol or drug use, previous DUI history, and relevant personal history.
Background and Driving History Review
Your driving record, legal history, and employment background are reviewed as part of the Alcohol and Drug Evaluation.
Drug and Alcohol Screening
Chemical testing may be requested as part of the Drug and Alcohol Evaluation to help confirm the information provided and finalize your risk level.
Written Report
After the clinical evaluation session, we prepare a written report outlining the findings and recommendations for the court, probation office, and Georgia DDS.
Understanding Your DUI Evaluation Results
Every DUI Evaluation is different, and not every evaluation results in a treatment recommendation. Based on the clinical evaluation and assessment, results generally fall into one of these categories:
- Minimal risk: No further treatment required beyond completion of DUI school (the Risk Reduction Program)
- ASAM Level I: Outpatient education or treatment
- ASAM Level II: Intensive outpatient or residential treatment
Unlike many other substance-related evaluations, DUI treatment is measured by a length of time rather than a set number of sessions, often ranging from 4 to 12 months of classes, with credit given for only one session per week regardless of attendance.
Because every Drug and Alcohol Evaluation reflects individual clinical criteria, be cautious of any provider that guarantees an outcome before your DUI Evaluation is complete or offers an unusually low evaluation cost while planning to recommend costly long-term treatment.
A legitimate clinical evaluation reflects your actual circumstances, not a sales pitch, and a counselor should never promise results in advance.
Types of DUI Evaluations We Provide
- First-Offense DUI Evaluation: The standard DUI Evaluation for a first-time DUI offense in Georgia.
- Multiple-Offense DUI Evaluation: A more comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation required when your driving record includes more than one DUI offense.
- Out-of-State DUI Evaluation: For Georgia residents who received a DUI offense in another state. This evaluation process is more involved than a standard DUI Evaluation and requires additional documentation before Georgia DDS will accept it.
- Proactive (Pre-Court) DUI Evaluation: Completed voluntarily before your court date to demonstrate accountability to the court and your probation officer.
DUI Evaluation and Your Driver’s License
If your driver’s license was suspended after a DUI, a completed DUI Evaluation may be required as part of the process for restoring your driving privileges through Georgia DDS.
A generic alcohol assessment will not satisfy this requirement. Georgia DDS requires a DUI-specific clinical evaluation prepared and submitted according to Georgia requirements.
Our reports are formatted to meet Georgia DDS requirements and Georgia Department of Human Services standards, helping reduce unnecessary back-and-forth and delays in restoring your driver’s license or driving privileges.
DUI Evaluation Cost and Scheduling
The cost of a DUI Evaluation varies depending on whether it’s a first-offense, multiple-offense, or out-of-state DUI Evaluation. Most clients pay at the time of their appointment.
Scheduling is simple: call our office or book online. Most appointments can be scheduled within a day or two, with same-day availability common across the metro Atlanta area.
Why Choose AACS Atlanta for Your DUI Evaluation?
Licensed Professionals
A licensed counselor who meets Georgia’s state-approved requirements conducts every clinical evaluation.
Accepted Statewide
Our Alcohol and Drug Evaluations meet court requirements and Georgia DDS requirements for license reinstatement.
In-Person and Virtual
Schedule an in-person DUI Evaluation or complete your assessment virtually from anywhere in Georgia.
All-in-One Support
If treatment, DUI school, or education is recommended after your evaluation, AACS Atlanta provides these programs directly, so you don’t need to find a separate provider.
25+ Years of Experience
Serving Georgia courts, probation officers, and Georgia DDS since 1999.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a DUI Evaluation the Same as an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation?
No. A standard Alcohol and Drug Evaluation may satisfy some court orders, but it does not meet Georgia DDS requirements for license reinstatement after a DUI. If your case involves a DUI offense, you need a DUI-specific clinical evaluation, not just an alcohol assessment.
How Long Does a DUI Evaluation Take?
A standard first-offense DUI Evaluation typically takes 45 to 60 minutes from start to finish.
Do I Need a DUI Evaluation to Get My Driver’s License Back?
Yes. Georgia DDS generally requires a completed DUI Evaluation before restoring driving privileges after a DUI-related suspension.
What If I Have More Than One DUI on My Driving Record?
Multiple DUI offenses require a more detailed Alcohol and Drug Evaluation. Contact our office to discuss the specific court requirements for your case.
I Got a DUI in Another State but Live in Georgia. What Do I Need?
You’ll need an Out-of-State DUI Evaluation, which involves additional steps beyond a standard Drug and Alcohol Evaluation.
Can My DUI Evaluation Be Done Virtually?
Yes, we offer virtual DUI Evaluations for qualifying clients throughout Georgia.
What Happens If Treatment Is Recommended After My Evaluation?
AACS Atlanta offers ASAM Level I and Level II treatment programs and the DUI Risk Reduction Program (DUI school) in-house, so your court requirements can be completed with one treatment provider.
How Much Does a DUI Evaluation Cost?
Cost depends on the type of DUI Evaluation—first-offense, multiple-offense, or out-of-state. Call our office for current pricing.
Will My Probation Officer Accept This Evaluation?
Yes. Our clinical evaluations are formatted to satisfy both probation and Georgia DDS requirements.
Schedule Your DUI Evaluation Today
Court deadlines and Georgia DDS deadlines don’t wait. Schedule your DUI Evaluation today for a same-day, confidential clinical evaluation—in person or virtually, anywhere in Georgia.
Our counselors are ready to help you meet your court requirements, satisfy probation requirements, and get your driving privileges back on track.
