Courts require a DUI evaluation for first-time and repeat DUI offenders throughout Georgia. At AACS Atlanta, evaluations range from $95-$350 and are completed confidentially, with same-day appointments available. This assessment determines treatment needs, creates official compliance documentation, and directly impacts court sentencing.
What is a DUI Clinical Evaluation?
A clinical evaluation is a mandatory one-on-one diagnostic assessment by a Georgia DBHDD-certified evaluator. This 1-2 hour appointment uses a 130-question screening tool to assess alcohol/drug use history, substance abuse severity, driving impact, and treatment needs. It’s diagnostic, not counseling, and determines your legal path forward.
Required for:
- 2+ DUIs within 10 years (mandatory for license reinstatement)
- First DUI (at judge’s discretion)
- Court-ordered probation conditions
- License suspension restoration
Why Georgia Requires It
Georgia mandates clinical evaluation for anyone with two or more DUI convictions in 10 years seeking license reinstatement. You cannot restore driving privileges without it. The evaluation determines treatment recommendations, demonstrates responsibility to courts, and creates official compliance records.
Getting evaluated immediately shows:
- Accountability and willingness to comply
- Understanding of DUI severity
- Commitment to addressing substance use
This directly impacts the judge’s sentencing, probation conditions, and license reinstatement timeline.
DUI School vs. Clinical Evaluation
These are separate, mandatory requirements:
| Aspect | Clinical Evaluation | DUI School |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Diagnose substance abuse | Educate on DUI laws |
| Duration | 1-2 hours (one session) | 8-16 hours |
| Format | One-on-one interview | Group classroom |
| Cost | $95-$350 | $250-$500 |
| Outcome | Treatment recommendation | Completion certificate |
| When | DO FIRST | After evaluation |
Critical mistake: Doing DUI school before evaluation wastes time if long-term treatment is recommended.
Drug vs. Alcohol-Specific Assessments
Alcohol-Focused DUI
Assessment examines consumption patterns, BAC level, blackout history, and previous incidents. Treatment may include AA groups, counseling, and relapse prevention. Red flags: BAC >0.15%, multiple incidents, family alcoholism history.
Drug-Focused DUI
Assessment covers drug type (cannabis, cocaine, prescription, opioids), usage frequency, and polysubstance use. Treatment may include NA groups, drug-specific counseling, and mental health evaluation. Red flags: prescription abuse, injection history, prior convictions.
Combined Alcohol + Drug DUI
Most complex assessment treating both dependencies. Treatment extends to 6-12 months (vs. 4-6 weeks single substance). Evaluator addresses combination effects.
What Your Evaluation Report Contains
Your clinical evaluation report is a legal document submitted to Georgia courts and DBHDD. It includes:
Core Sections:
- Evaluator credentials and DBHDD certification number
- Your information (name, DOB, DUI arrest date, case #)
- Assessment results (130-question ASAM score, severity rating)
- Treatment recommendation (one of three below)
- Statement that treatment must come from a different provider (Georgia law)
- Official signature with license number
Three Possible Recommendations:
✓ No further services – No substance abuse disorder; DUI school only; fastest path to license reinstatement
✓ Short-term intervention – 4-6 week substance awareness classes, 1-2 sessions weekly
✓ Long-term treatment – ASAM Level specified; 6-52 weeks; 1-3 sessions weekly; possible AA/NA requirement
Report distribution: Original to you, copies to court, probation officer, DBHDD database, and treatment provider.
Prior DUI Impact on Severity
First DUI
May be waived by judge. Typical outcomes: 60% no services, 30% short-term education, 10% long-term treatment.
Second DUI (within 10 years)
Mandatory evaluation. Outcomes: 20% no services, 50% short-term (6-8 weeks), 30% long-term (8-16 weeks). License suspension longer.
Third+ DUI (within 10 years)
Mandatory intensive evaluation. Outcomes: 5% no services, 20% short-term, 75% long-term (12-52 weeks).
License revoked (not suspended); mandatory IID device; extended probation; possible jail time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refuse evaluation?
No. Court-mandated. Refusal = probation violation = jail or extended probation.
How soon should I schedule?
Immediately within 48 hours. Early intervention demonstrates responsibility; delays compound legal problems. Same-day available: 800-683-7745.
Time off work required?
Evaluation is 1-2 hours. AACS Atlanta: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm.
Can’t afford it?
Cost is your responsibility. Options: payment plans, insurance coverage, or rare court fee waiver. Don’t skip probation violation is worse.
Same person for evaluation and treatment?
No. Georgia law prohibits it. Find a separate approved provider.
Disagree with recommendation?
No legal dispute option. Must follow recommendation for probation compliance.
Does it show on criminal record?
No separately. It’s part of the DUI case file; the DUI conviction itself is permanent.
Report timeline?
3-5 business days. AACS Atlanta provides same-week reports.
On other probation?
DUI evaluation is separate; complete both.
Do DUI school first?
No. Evaluation first determines if treatment is needed; DUI school after.
Skip treatment after evaluation?
Probation violation. Missing court-recommended program = violation filing, possible jail, extended probation, delayed license reinstatement.
Confidential?
Mostly. Evaluator reports completion status, recommendation, and non-compliance to state/court/probation but not personal details publicly.
Choose evaluator?
Yes. DBHDD maintains registry. Select by location, hours, cost.
Success Rates & Outcomes
Completion Rates
No Further Services: 95%+ success
- License reinstatement: 2-3 months
- Timeline: 1-2 months total
Short-Term Education (4-8 weeks): 85-90% success
- Cost: $500-$1,500
- 5-year outcomes: 70% don’t re-offend, 20% minor violations, 10% new DUI
- Reinstatement: 3-4 months
Long-Term Treatment (8-52 weeks): 65-75% success
- Cost: $2,000-$10,000+
- 5-year outcomes: 65-78% don’t re-offend
- Reinstatement: 6-12+ months
5-Year Outcomes
- 72% no new DUI – Completed program, maintained probation, reinstated
- 15% minor violations – Completed treatment but some probation issues
- 13% new DUI – Didn’t complete or relapsed; facing enhanced penalties
Success Factors
- Higher: Early intervention, immediate treatment start, regular probation check-ins, family support, employment stability.
- Lower: Delayed evaluation/treatment, 3+ DUIs, mental health issues, homelessness, unemployment, prior treatment failures.
Red Flags That Complicate Evaluation
- High BAC (>0.15%) – 40% get long-term treatment; indicates significant impairment
- Accident/injury involved – Long-term treatment almost always recommended; possible civil lawsuit
- Refused breathalyzer – Automatic license suspension; harsher recommendation
- Multiple arrests (2+ within 12 months) – Clear pattern; 80%+ get 12-52 week programs; possible felony charges
- Drug DUI – Longer assessment; 12-24 week minimum treatment; random drug testing mandatory
- Prior treatment failure – Severe disorder assumed; cost $5,000-$15,000+; possible inpatient
- Prescription drug DUI – Medical review required; possible dual diagnosis; pain management counseling added
- DUI while on other probation – Compound violations; possible jail; license suspension extended
- Can’t afford treatment – Still required; non-payment = probation violation
- Mental health issues – Dual diagnosis evaluation; treatment 12-24 weeks; cost $3,000-$10,000+
- Refusal to cooperate – Missing appointments, dishonesty = refusal; probation violation filed; possible contempt charges
- Young age (under 25) – 50/50 treatment recommendation; college/financial aid affected
- Travel/relocation during treatment – Requires court permission; may need to restart; delays reinstatement
Schedule Your Evaluation
AACS Atlanta Same-Day Appointments
Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Contact:
- Call: 800-683-7745 or 404-793-6838
- Email: info@aacsatlanta.com
- Online: aacsatlanta.com
Service Area: Atlanta, Marietta, Decatur, and throughout metro Atlanta and Georgia
What to Bring
- Photo ID
- DUI arrest documentation
- Probation officer contact info (if applicable)
- Attorney contact info (if applicable)
Why Don’t Go to Court Without Evaluation
DUI evaluations and counseling recommendations are frequently used to minimize court sentences. Getting evaluated immediately demonstrates responsibility to court and prosecution, directly impacting:
- Judge’s sentencing decisions
- Probation supervision level
- Prosecutor’s willingness to negotiate
- License reinstatement timeline
Your Next Steps
- Contact AACS Atlanta immediately (800-683-7745)
- Schedule same-day appointment
- Prepare required documents
- Complete evaluation (1-2 hours)
- Get written report
- Share with probation officer
- Enroll in DUI school
- Follow treatment recommendation (if any)
- File license reinstatement petition when ready
Why Choose AACS Atlanta?
Trusted by Georgia Courts:
- DBHDD-approved evaluators
- 25+ years serving metro Atlanta
- Court-recognized reports
Convenient & Professional:
- Same-day appointments available
- Confidential, compassionate process
- Same-week report turnaround
- Flexible hours (weekdays until 6 PM, Saturdays)
Comprehensive Services:
- Clinical evaluation
- DUI school options
- Treatment provider referrals
- Ongoing support
Don’t delay early action demonstrates responsibility and protects your future.
