An Alcohol and Drug Evaluation in Georgia is a clinical assessment conducted by a state-approved professional to determine if an individual requires substance abuse treatment. Under Georgia Law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391), this evaluation is a mandatory requirement for almost all DUI convictions and many reckless driving or drug possession charges.

Facing a DUI charge in Georgia is stressful, confusing, and expensive. Between the court dates, fines, and potential license suspension, the list of requirements can feel overwhelming. One of the most critical steps in this process—and often the most misunderstood—is the Alcohol and Drug Evaluation.

This guide serves as your authoritative resource for understanding the legal mandates, the process, and what you need to do to satisfy the courts in Atlanta, Marietta, and Decatur.

DUI School vs. Clinical Evaluation: What’s the Difference?

A common source of confusion for individuals navigating the Georgia court system is the difference between “DUI School” and a “Clinical Evaluation.” While they are often required for the same offense, they are two completely distinct requirements.

The Risk Reduction Program (DUI School)

The Risk Reduction Program, commonly known as DUI School, is a 20-hour educational course. It is strictly regulated by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). The curriculum is standard across the state. It is designed to educate offenders on the risks of alcohol and drug use while driving. You sit in a classroom (or virtual classroom where permitted), listen to lectures, and take quizzes.

The Clinical Evaluation

An Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Georgia mandate is entirely different. It is not a class. It is a private, one-on-one diagnostic interview with a licensed professional who is certified by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).

The purpose of this session is not to teach you about alcohol laws. Instead, the evaluator’s goal is to determine if you have a substance abuse problem that requires treatment. This assessment is personal to your history, your usage patterns, and your specific circumstances.

Do not assume that completing DUI School satisfies the requirement for an evaluation. In almost every DUI case in Georgia, you must do both.

Georgia Legal Mandates for DUI Offenses

The requirements for a clinical evaluation vary depending on your driving history. Georgia law has specific tiers for first, second, and subsequent offenses. Understanding where you fall in these tiers is essential for knowing what to expect.

First Offense

For a first DUI conviction within five years, a clinical evaluation is usually required by the court as a condition of probation.

However, even if the judge does not explicitly order it, the Department of Driver Services (DDS) may still require it for license reinstatement if you have had prior drug or alcohol arrests.

If the evaluator determines that no treatment is needed, you will be issued a certificate of completion. If treatment is recommended, you must complete the specified counseling to clear your probation and driver’s license hold.

Second Offense (Within 5 Years)

For a second DUI conviction within a five-year period, the laws are much stricter. A clinical evaluation is mandatory for license reinstatement—there are no exceptions.

Furthermore, it is almost certain that some form of treatment will be recommended. This is typically a minimum of 17 weeks of counseling. You cannot get your driver’s license back until the evaluation is completed and the recommended treatment program is actively underway or finished.

Third and Subsequent Offenses

For a third offense or habitual violator status, the clinical evaluation is the gateway to any hope of regaining driving privileges.

These cases are scrutinized heavily. The state requires a comprehensive assessment to ensure public safety. Treatment protocols are often more intensive, potentially involving inpatient care or long-term outpatient therapy.

The Process: What Happens During an Evaluation?

Walking into a clinical evaluation can be nerve-wracking if you don’t know what to expect. The process is standardized to ensure fairness and accuracy. At AACS Counseling, we strive to make this process as transparent and comfortable as possible.

Step 1: The SALCE Assessment

The process typically begins with a questionnaire called the SALCE (Substance Abuse Life Circumstance Evaluation) or the NEEDS assessment. This is a written or digital survey that asks about your history with alcohol and drugs.

It also covers your lifestyle, stress levels, and criminal history. It is designed to identify patterns that might indicate a substance use disorder. Honesty is critical here, as inconsistencies can be flagged.

Step 2: The Clinical Interview

After the survey, you will sit down with a Clinical Evaluator. This is the core of the Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Georgia process.

During this interview, the evaluator will review your driving history report (DDS report). They will ask about the specific incident that led to your arrest. They will also discuss your family history, employment, and general health.

The evaluator is not looking to judge you or “get you in trouble.” Their role is to make a clinical determination based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They need to assess if the DUI was an isolated incident or a symptom of a larger issue.

In-Person vs. Telehealth

Modern technology has made this process more accessible. You can complete your evaluation in-person at offices like ours in Atlanta, Marietta, or Decatur.

Alternatively, Georgia DBHDD now permits these evaluations to be conducted via secure Telehealth platforms. This means you can complete your court-mandated assessment from home, provided you have a private space and a device with a camera. Both formats are legally valid and accepted by the courts.

Pricing Transparency: What Does It Cost?

One of the most common questions we receive is about cost. Fortunately, the state of Georgia regulates the base price for these evaluations to protect consumers.

For a first-time offender, the minimum cost for a Clinical Evaluation is set at roughly $150. This fee is mandated by the state to ensure affordability and consistency across providers.

For multiple offenders (2nd DUI or more), the cost is typically higher due to the increased complexity of the assessment and the additional paperwork required for the multiple offender registry.

Warning: Be wary of providers charging significantly less than the state minimum. If a website offers an evaluation for $50 or $99, it is highly likely they are not a DBHDD-approved provider. The courts will reject their report, and you will have to pay for a new evaluation with a certified provider.

Navigating Courts in Fulton, DeKalb, and Cobb Counties

While state laws are uniform, the practical application can vary slightly depending on which court handles your case. Local knowledge is invaluable.

Fulton County (Atlanta)

In Atlanta Municipal Court and Fulton County State Court, efficiency is key. Pre-trial diversion programs are common for first-time offenders.

These programs often require you to complete your Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Georgia requirement before your court date. Doing so can sometimes lead to reduced charges. Having your paperwork ready for your attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your plea negotiations.

Cobb County (Marietta)

Cobb County courts are known for their strict adherence to procedure. Judges and probation officers here meticulously check that your evaluator is on the state-approved registry.

If you are on probation in Cobb County, ensure you verify whether your officer requires an in-person assessment. While state law allows Telehealth, individual judges in strict jurisdictions like Cobb sometimes prefer face-to-face evaluations for complex cases.

DeKalb County (Decatur)

In DeKalb County, evaluations are frequently ordered for charges beyond just DUIs. We often see clients needing assessments for Reckless Driving reductions or misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

The DeKalb Solicitor’s Office generally looks favorably on defendants who take the initiative. Completing an evaluation voluntarily before being ordered can demonstrate remorse and responsibility.

Treatment Recommendations and Next Steps

Once the evaluation is complete, one of two things will happen.

Scenario A: No Treatment Recommended
If the evaluator determines you do not meet the criteria for a substance use disorder, you will receive a discharge summary. You submit this document to the court or probation to prove you have satisfied the requirement.

Scenario B: Treatment Recommended
If the evaluator identifies a risk, they will recommend a treatment plan. This is not a punishment; it is a clinical necessity for satisfying the legal mandate.

State guidelines typically classify treatment into levels:

• Level I: Short-term outpatient counseling (usually 6-12 weeks).
• Level II: More intensive outpatient treatment (usually 17-24 weeks), often required for multiple offenders.

You must complete this recommended treatment with a DBHDD-approved provider to reinstate your license.

Schedule Your State-Approved Evaluation Today

Navigating a DUI charge is difficult, but your alcohol and drug evaluation doesn’t have to be. You need a provider who understands the specific requirements of Georgia law and the local nuances of Atlanta, Marietta, and Decatur courts.

At AACS Counseling, we provide state-approved Clinical Evaluations that are guaranteed to be accepted by the court, DDS, and your probation officer. Whether you choose our convenient Telehealth option or visit one of our local offices, you will receive a professional, non-judgmental assessment to help you move forward.

Don’t let a procedural error delay your case or your license reinstatement. Trust the experts who have helped thousands of Georgia residents satisfy their legal requirements.

Contact AACS Atlanta today at (404) 333-8301 to schedule your appointment.