DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS OR NEGLIGENT DRIVING

By Tom Black Serenity Group

Many DUI offenders have a good reason to have an attorney plead their case down to a Wet Reckless citation or a Negligent Driving ticket. Often, a person who uses a vehicle in his or her occupation will lose his or her job if convicted of a DUI. In these cases, taking the Wet Reckless or Neg Driving makes sense.

The insurance industry looks at these tickets differently. Most companies try to base their rates on actuarial science; that is, the odds of accidents happening within certain driving groups or age classifications.

The companies that insure DUI offenders and provide SR-22 certificates charge more premiums for the “lesser” violations of Wet Reckless or Negligent Driving than a DUI. They are assuming that these drivers are more likely to have a serious accident than a DUI offender.

Be aware of the upside and downside of your decisions after you are arrested.

Whether you are a preferred driver looking for cheap car insurance or a high risk driver required to carry Form SR 22 insurance, Serenity Insurance can meet your needs. Do you need affordable car insurance right now? Put us to the test! We work with a large number of companies to get the most competitive auto insurance rates for our customers.

Call us now toll free at 1-800-774-0520 or fill out an car insurance quote request.

WHAT DETERMINES YOUR INSURANCE RATES?

By Tom Black
Serenity Insurance Group

Have you ever moved, changed cars or jobs, only to find that your auto insurance premium jumped? Part of that rate increase could be due to one of many factors that are used to compute your insurance costs.

Where you live-people who live in more rural, or less populated areas within the same state generally have lower insurance costs. The companies figure that being around fewer people makes your likelihood of an accident less.

YOUR AGE-statistics show that people who have more driving experience have less accidents. Young drivers and young males in particular, are many times more likely to be involved in an accident than a person with 10 or more years driving history. (If you are a student, having a good grade average can help lower your premium)

YOUR DRIVING RECORD-the companies hire actuaries who determine your chances of getting in an accident. The more tickets you have on your record, actuaries have shown the more likely you will cause a wreck. Obviously, more serious tickets like Negligent Driving, Reckless Driving, and DUI drive these statistics higher. That is why most companies that will issue an SR-22 filing have higher rates for these high risk drivers.

YOUR CREDIT HISTORY-it may be hard to understand that there is a definite relationship with your credit history and your likelihood to cause or be involved in an accident. Some very scientific men have been able to show a direct correlation between your credit and your costs to an insurance carrier.

YOUR VEHICLE-Some cars or trucks cause more damage to other vehicles when involved in a collision. Some cars or trucks are just involved in more collisions. (Sports cars, hot rods, big SUV’s)

The ideal insurance risk (least likely to be in a wreck) would be a 6o year old married person, living in a farming community, who owns his own home, has no tickets, and drives a 2004 Buick LeSabre.

On the other hand, a very poor insurance risk is the 18 year old young man, living in Los Angeles, who is behind on his credit cards, has four speeding tickets and one reckless driving, and is driving a four year old Corvette.

Keep these things in mind when assessing your insurance costs.

Alert Driving Inc. - ADI

For 30 years Alert Driving, Inc. (ADI) has provided DUI program services to assist in restoration of your driving privilege following an arrest for Driving Under the Influence. ADI has provided services to over 30,000 individuals since selection as the initial pilot program in Santa Clara County. Years of experience with the DMV and the court system have gained them a reputation for outstanding client service and respect as a leader in the development of modern day DUI programs in California.

Staff members at ADI are in the forefront of all DMV changes and system information. They share their knowledge with clients to assist them to regain a valid California driver’s license upon completion of the program if they otherwise satisfy DMV requirements. As a state licensed DUI provider ADI follows all the requirements by law for enrollment, services and program completion in addition to reporting to probation, the court system and the DMV.

All counselors at ADI are state certified as required and are members of either the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors or the California Association of Drinking Driver Treatment Programs. The staff remains current in the newest trends in addiction studies with yearly continuing education. More than half of the counselors also have graduate degrees in psychology, social work, public health or counseling. The nuts and bolts of the DUI program has a county-wide reputation for excellence, however if you choose to attend ADI it is the staff that will leave a lasting, positive imprint on your life.

Services Offered

Drug and Alcohol Assessments
6-Week Wet Reckless Program
3-Month First Offender Program
9-Month Enhanced First Offender Program
18-Month Multiple Offender Program
DUI’s not yet sentenced
Out of county DUI’s
Out of state DUI’s

CONTACT INFO:

Alert Driving, Inc
1900 Camden Ave
Suite 205
San Jose, CA 95124
Tel: (408) 879-7581
Email
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9 am to 5 pm
Friday: 9 am - 4:30 pm

Tel: (408) 879-7581

A DUI, OR A WET RECKLESS, OR A NEGLIGENT DRIVING?

Tom Black
Serenity Insurance Group

When we find ourselves forced to make a decision to fight the DUI charge and have an attorney try to plea to a different charge, we need to keep certain things in mind.

Many people have a specific reason to avoid the DUI charge. Some will want to do anything to avoid the DUI charge on their records. This may be for several reasons, employment record or to qualify for certain life or disability insurance policies. Regardless of the final disposition, the driver is going to have to file an SR-22 filing with the state licensing authority (DMV, DPS, and DOL).

Here is the surprise: Most insurance companies CHARGE MORE PREMIUM FOR A WET RECKLESS CITATION OR A NEGLIGENT DRIVING TICKET THAN A DUI! Can you believe it? You can generally get lower cost insurance with a DUI than the Reckless Driving or Negligent Driving.

The reason is simple. Insurance companies set rates based on statistical data. More Reckless and Negligent Drivers get in accidents than DUI offenders

Although any one of these citations is difficult, please think twice about the outcome of a “reduced plea”, as it will generally be more expensive when you try to keep your auto insurance costs low.

WHY IS AN SR-22 SO IMPORTANT?

By Tom Black
Serenity Insurance Group

An SR-22 certificate is a proof of financial responsibility. In other words, it serves basically the same purpose as the insurance ID card most drivers carry in their glove compartments.

There is one BIG DIFFERENCE between the normal auto insurance card and an SR-22. If a driver with a SR-22 stops paying for his insurance, that company is required by law to notify the licensing department of that state (DMV, DPS, DOL) and that driver’s license will be automatically suspended, usually with no warning! The result is often an additional ticket for driving while license suspended, and the driver’s insurance policy will have to be re-written, usually with another down payment, and one more point charge for the new citation.

If you have an SR-22 proof of insurance, please do whatever it takes to make your payments, so you don’t have to subject yourself to another hassle with your auto insurance.

Whether you are a preferred driver looking for cheap car insurance or a high risk driver required to carry Form SR 22 insurance, Serenity Insurance can meet your needs. Do you need affordable auto insurance right now? Put us to the test! We work with a large number of companies to get the most competitive auto insurance rates for our customers.

Call us now toll free at 1-800-774-0520 or fill out an auto insurance quote request.

Getting Cheap Car Insurance after a DUI or DWI

Getting Cheap Car Insurance after a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) conviction tends to be challenging. Cheap Car Insurance companies tend to not want to even provide quotes for those who have been accused of or convicted of a DUI or DWI. offense. Those that will provide a quotation tend to quote extremely high premiums.

For a first-time DUI offender, this is particularly shocking. In most states, you are required to be insured to get your license back. Often an SR-22 is required by the State Department of Motor Vehicles in order to provide proof of insurance. The SR-22 is required for anyone guilty of a DUI or DWI who wishes to obtain a restricted license. Many insurance companies take advantage of that fact and raise your rates through the roof. In order to improve your rates for car insurance, you might need to look at quite a few different companies offering Insurance. A lot of individual factors go into determining the cost of an automobile insurance policy.

Many insurance companies check your financial stability, your driving record, and your claim history prior to offering insurance. All of these variables are used together to create an insurance score that is used to rate and price your policy. When you have had a DUI or DWI and are shopping around for insurance be sure to use a company that provides quotes from multiple insurance company providers. This will make it easier to obtain insurance that is affordable and that meets your needs for appropriate coverage.

Cheap Car Insurance is available directly from Serenity Insurance Group’s quick quote form on their website, from Serenity’s fast and friendly agents by live chat with an agent online, by a one click request for an agent to call you or by calling them directly at 1-800-774-0520.

The Alert Program - Coachella Valley

DUI Education Programs - Serving the Coachella Valley

PROGRAMS OFFERED:

Wet Reckless/12-hr Education:
Consists of: Enrollment + (6) six weeks of 2-hr wkly sessions

First Offender DUI/4-month Program:
Consists of: Enrollment + (15) fifteen weeks of 2-hr wkly sessions

First Offender DUI/6-month Program:
Consists of: Enrollment + 35 weeks of 2-hr wkly sessions

First Offender DUI/9-month Program:
Consists of: (9) nine months includes enrollment, monthly individual sessions, and 2-hr wkly sessions

CONTACT INFO:

The Alert Program - Coachella Valley

730 Eugene Road, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Phone: 760.322.7725
Fax: 760.322.6463
Email
Director: Ms. Jacque Stewart

DUI Insurance is available directly from Serenity Insurance Group’s quick quote DUI Quotes form on their website, from serenity’s fast and friendly agents by live chat with an agent online, by a one click request for an agent to call you or by calling them directly at 1-800-774-0520.

El Concilio

El Concilio was established in 1968 to create self-sufficiency through counseling, referrals, education, and in the belief that persons empowered to help themselves will become significant assets to the community at large. El Concilio offers services to infants, youth, adults, families and seniors. These services are open to any person seeking assistance.

MISSION:
Improving the quality of life of Latinos and other communities in the Central Valley of California.

PROGRAMS OFFERED:

CalWORKs
The Concilio’s CalWORKs Case Management Program, funded and articulated by Human Services Agency, continues to provide case management, incentives and motivation for Welfare to Work recipients throughout San Joaquin County.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT
El Concilio operates two child development centers serving low-to-moderate income families within San Joaquin County.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
El Concilio offers English Language Development (ELD) for those members of our community that wish to learn English.

FAMILY SERVICES

FIRST OFFENDERS DUI PROGRAM (WET/RECKLESS)

FIRST STEP RESOURCE RESPONSE

HEALTH ACCESS AND ITS COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS

HEALTH CARE EDUCATION ADVOCACY SERVICES

HEALTHY FAMILIES

IMMIGRATION SERVICES

LATINO MENTAL HEALTH BEHAVIORAL WELLNESS PROGRAM

LATINO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

LA VOZ NEWSPAPER
Concilio began distribution of its new weekly newspaper on March 14, 2002. La Voz San Joaquin County’s only weekly Spanish language newspaper, covering local news, as well as national and international issues. For the large immigrant and migrant farm work population, La Voz is their primary source of educational information on important issues concerning the availability of health care for themselves and their families, as well as specific information on diseases affecting the Hispanic community.

LEGAL SERVICES FOR SENIORS

MATERNAL ADVOCACY PROGRAM
Maternal Advocates assist nurses and doctors in communicating with their Spanish-speaking clients that are giving birth at San Joaquin General Hospital.

MULTIPLE OFFENDER PROGRAM

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF LA RAZA CARDIOVASCULAR PREVENTION INFORMATION
El Concilio received a grant from the National Council of La Raza to provide education to the community regarding the risks of cardiovascular disease and its propensity in the Hispanic population.

PARENTS AS TEACHERS (PAT)

MENTAL HEALTH INFO:

Mental Health in the Latino community is extremely important and yet it isn’t often discussed. El Concilio provides valuable information and services to help keep you and your family healthy.

CHILDREN
Suspicion of possible learning and motivation difficulties in school.
Hyperactivity and lack of concentration in activities.
Crisis or family problems
A sudden unexplainable change in behavior

ADOLESCENTS
Low self-esteem
Disrespectful towards others
Poor communication skills
Need for self discovery
Family or friend problems

ADULTS
Difficulties that interfere with daily activities such as: Extreme sadness, depression, anxiety, lack of interest, and health problems.
Low self-esteem
Lack of communication skills
Loneliness
General insecurity
Marriage and family difficulties
Aging parent or self
Adjustment to physical handicap or special need

CONTACT INFO:

El Concilio

Main Office
308 N. California Street
Stockton, CA 95202
(209) 547-2855
(209) 547-2870 Fax

Lorraine Office
2701 E. Hammer Lane, #102
Stockton, CA 95210
(209) 955-5720
(209) 955-5715 Fax

Lodi Office
498 E. Kettleman Lane
Lodi, CA 95240
(209) 366-7950
(209) 366-7960 Fax

Manteca Office
903 W. Center St., Ste. 1 & 2
Manteca, CA 95337
(209) 239-7389
(209) 239-0591 Fax

Modesto Office
1314 “H” Street
Stockton, CA
(209) 523-2860
(209) 523-2873 Fax

Tracy Office
42 W. 8th Street
Tracy, CA 95376
(209) 830-2150
(209) 830-2160 Fax

Latino Mental Health
1755 W. Hammer Lane
Stockton, CA 95215
(209) 952-1403

Salud Primero
Healthy Families
308 N. California Street
Stockton, CA 95202
(209) 468-9649
(209) 468-9683 Fax

Child Development Center
1606 Hammertown Drive
Stockton, CA 95210
(209) 957-9435

Child Development Center
20943 N. Oak St.
Acampo, CA 95220
(209) 368-9351

Child Development Center
Farmington
Stockton, CA 95215

Get quick Cheap Auto Insurance from the quick and easy Auto Insurance Quotes form on the Serenity Insurance Group website, from Serenity’s fast and friendly agents by live chat with an agent online, by a one click request for an agent to call you or by calling them directly at 1-800-774-0520.

Alcohol Drug Council - High Gain Project

The Alcohol Drug Council & the High Gain Project has been providing treatment services to alcoholics, addicts, family members, and to our community since 1974. The Council is one of the oldest non-profit , independent agencies in the county dealing with prevention of addiction and associated negative behaviors. Designed as a multiple-functional, community based treatment center allowing for a variety of services. The Alcohol Drug Council-High Gain Project, is partially funded by Los Angeles County Alcohol & Drug Program Administration, offers a multitude of services, including our Community Based Alcohol Drug Outreach Project, “JumpStarts”.

PROGRAMS OFFERED:

ADOPTS-ALCOHOL/DRUG OUTPATIENT PROGRAM TREATMENT SERVICES

ADOPTS is a drug-free outpatient treatment program. Our ADOPTS Program focus is to treat the symptoms of the progressive aspects of addictive diseases. ADOPTS is designed by utilization of Alcohol/Drug Education, Group Counseling, Cognitive, Behavioral, and Motivational Counseling techniques to assist our client to fully recovery from the disease of addiction. Participation is voluntary and family participation is encouraged. ADOPTS provides:

Individualized Attention & Treatment Planning Include:

Family History
Emotional/Behavioral Evaluation
Individualized treatment planning focuses on chemical abstinence, physical and emotional health, family relationships, social and peer group, work and financial.

Education Focuses on Five Key Areas:

Disease Concept
Psychological/Emotional Aspects
Family Disease and Co-dependency
AA and other 12 Step Programs
Social/Recreational Rehabilitation

Group Dynamics/Workshops:

Behavior Change
Express Feelings
Building a Support Network
Continuing Recovery Discussions
After Care Support

DRINKING DRIVER TREATMENT PROGRAM

PROGRAM GOALS:

One of ten adult Californians and one out of six adolescents is psychologically dependent on, or physically addicted to, one or more mood altering substances. Driving an automobile under-the-influence is probably the single most salient indicator of the magnitude of this problem. Drinking (and using) drivers endanger themselves and others in ways that are visible to all and catastrophic in their consequences. It is clear that any agency or program dealing with DUI client population has a dual agenda with regard to client outcomes. Firstly, all clients, whatever their prognosis as to alcohol/drug dependency, must become both cognitively and emotionally aware that responsible use of alcohol and other drugs absolutely rules out driving a car while under the influence. They must leave the program convinced that there are no exceptions to this rule, no special circumstances, and no safe level of intoxication. Secondly, all clients are guided through an examination of their own reasons for using alcohol and other drugs. Insofar as is humanly possible, clients should arrive at an informed decision about their own actual or possible dependency on psychoactive chemicals, especially alcohol. This direct method works as a sound clinical procedure and is validated by the ADC High Gain Project experience since 1974. And, we believe, allows clients to assume responsibility.

DUI TREATMENT PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

Wreckless - 12 hours Alcohol Drug Education
First Offender - 3-6-9 month
Second Offender - 12 or 18 month
Multiple Offender - 30 month
Customized treatment program available
(Out state DWI/DUI provider)

WORKSHOPS OFFERED:

Our weekly 1.5 hour workshops are offered to help participants identify, understand and conquer the obstacles of recovery. Workshops are designed to teach skills for sobriety through education, self-discovery and utilization of problem solving tools. Participation is voluntary and confidential.

“Life Skills & Recovery Workshop”
Our recovery discussion focus:
Relapse Prevention
Nature of Addictive Diseases
Co-Dependency
Application of 12 Step Process
Communication Skills
Continuing Recovery Plans

“Anger Management Workshop”
This workshop was developed from a current Domestic Violence prevention program. Our program has been enhanced by incorporating a chemical dependency recovery emphasis as we have discovered that the two are many times closely related. The program emphasizes Time Outs, Communication Skills, Stress Reduction, Appropriate Reaction, Cultural and Family Anger/Violence History, High Risk Anger Situations and Development of Alternative Behavioral Responses.

CONTACT INFO:

Alcohol Drug Council - High Gain Project

1424 4th St. Suite 205
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone (310) 451-5881
Fax 310-576-0945
Office Hours Monday - Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Cheap Car Insurance for recovering DUI drivers is available directly from Serenity Insurance Group’s quick and easy Car Insurance Quote form, from Serenity’s fast and friendly agents by live chat with an agent online, by a one click request for an agent to call you or by calling them directly at 1-800-774-0520.

Academy of Defensive Driving

The Academy of Defensive Driving has been providing state of the art education and counseling services to drinking drivers in Orange County, California since 1974.

SERVICES OFFERED - DRUG AND COUNSELING:

Drug Testing and Monitoring

On Site Urinalysis Immediate results for those requiring answers without waiting for lab analysis.

SERVICES OFFERED - DRINKING DRIVING PROGRAMS:

AODD offers First and Multiple Offender Programs.
Services are available for out of state offenders also.

Clients wishing to enroll in a program prior to court sentencing may enroll directly.
Services are also provided to those needing to satisfy DMV requirements.

Multiple Offender Program

This is an 18-month program for multiple offenders.
The program uses group and individual counseling, Education Sessions, and attendance at
community based self-help meetings.

First Offender Program

This is a three-month program designed for first time DUI offenders.
A combination of Education and group counseling are utilized.

AB541 Level II Programs

These programs are six or nine months in duration and are designed for first offenders needing a
more intensive experience. Alcohol Education, Group Counseling, Individual Counseling, and
attendance at self-help meetings are the major components of the programs.

Volunteer, DMV and Out of State Programs

Many individuals need to complete a licensed program in order to obtain a valid driver’s license.

SERVICES OFFERED - SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS:

PC10 and PC1000 Programs

AODD is a certified provider of services for clients requiring a PC10 or PC1000 Program.
Components include Education, Group Counseling, & self help attendance.
Additional program requirements are determined as part of the treatment planning session.
The primary focus is the development of a drug free lifestyle.

Substance Abuse and Education Programs

Court and County Certified 10 hr. programs for early intervention and education.

PC1210 / PROP 36

AODD is a contract provider outpatient clinic for Orange County HealthCare
Agency (HCA).
HCA assesses and refers male and female adult drug offenders,
who have been court ordered to attend PC1210/Prop 36 outpatient drug
treatment.
AODD Prop36 treatment protocol includes individual & group
counseling sessions; random drug testing; drug education; treatment plan
development; aftercare follow-up and relapse prevention planning.

SERVICES OFFERED - TRAFFIC VIOLATOR SCHOOL:

Academy of Defensive Driving’s California 8 Hour Traffic School

AODD’s Level 1 Traffic School contains the most current information on defensive driving and implications of alcohol, drugs or the combination of both. Our program satisfies the 8-hour traffic school requirement for the driver cited for minor traffic violations.

AODD is a DMV-licensed traffic violator school (TVS License #1648)

CONTACT INFO:

Academy of Defensive Driving

San Juan Capistrano Office
31726 Rancho Viejo Rd. Suite 120
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 240-0115 Phone
(949) 443-5018 Fax

Newport Beach Office
2000 Quail, Suite 120
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 752-0710 Phone
(949) 752-0705 Fax

Car Insurance for DUI drivers and high risk drivers.