Substance Abuse Evaluations in Phoenix

After an arrest or conviction for intoxicated driving in Arizona, you will be required to complete a substance abuse evaluation. During these private assessments, a counselor will ask background and biographical questions, such as your history of drinking or drug use. They will also look into the facts of your DUI case, including the BAC or drug concentration at the time of the arrest.

If you are required to complete an assessment, consult a seasoned attorney at Grand Canyon Law Group. We can advise you on the best approach and timing for substance abuse evaluations in Phoenix. Let us help prepare you for success in your case.

The Purpose of Substance Abuse Evaluations

Substance abuse evaluations are typically done in person, although a few companies offer them online. They function as a subjective and objective evaluation of a person’s pattern of substance abuse. These evaluations are designed to help the person overcome any substance abuse habits.

Although they are required upon conviction for a DUI, substance abuse evaluations also serve a purpose for the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). After a DUI arrest, Arizona law requires a 90-day driver’s license suspension. If the person completes a substance abuse evaluation, the MVD is notified and will issue a 60-day restricted driving permit. The Phoenix attorneys at our firm can further explain the process of getting a driver’s permit through a substance abuse evaluation.

Who Administers Substance Abuse Evaluations in Phoenix?

Many different companies and agencies handle these evaluations. The city of Phoenix runs its own internal substance abuse treatment and counseling through a company called Prodigy, but they also accept counseling and treatment from different agencies. In Arizona, there are dozens of places approved by the Motor Vehicle Division that people can use for substance abuse evaluations.

After completing the evaluation, the person will get credit from the court and Motor Vehicle Division. A knowledgeable lawyer at our firm can advise on setting up a substance abuse evaluation through one of the agencies in Phoenix.

Outcomes of a Substance Addiction Assessment

As our experienced local attorneys can explain, substance abuse evaluations consider various factors, such as:

• The facts of the current DUI
• Prior DUI history
• The BAC level at the time of the arrest

A first-time, low-level DUI offense often indicates that a person has no history or indicators of substance abuse issues. In these situations, a person may receive the minimum number of counseling hours after their DUI evaluation.

However, if the evaluation finds that the person appears to have a significant problem with drugs or alcohol, the counseling agency will recommend additional hours of counseling. In Arizona, the minimum amount of counseling is 16 hours, which can be increased to 72 or 96 hours, depending on the situation.

Discuss Substance Abuse Evaluations with Our Phoenix Lawyers

If you are arrested or convicted of DUI, the state will require you to complete a substance abuse evaluation. These are meant to assess and treat any drug or alcohol issues that DUI defendants may be dealing with. You may be assigned counseling based on the results of the assessment.

Learn more about substance abuse evaluations in Phoenix by speaking with the legal team at Grand Canyon Law Group. We can advise you on handling these situations the right way and work to protect your best interests throughout your DUI case. Call today for a consultation.