During the course of your DUI case, Pennsylvania Law will require you to complete either one or two substance abuse evaluations. The first is called a Court Reporting Network (CRN) evaluation. Based upon that evaluation you may also be required to complete a drug and alcohol (D&A) assessment. For more information on what that may entail, please read on, then contact an experienced Pittsburgh first DUI lawyer as soon as possible. Some questions you may have include:
What is the purpose of CRN or D&A assessment in Pennsylvania?
When someone is charged with driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, courts will often mandate the individual to undergo an assessment to determine whether they have a substance abuse issue and are a risk of becoming a repeat offender, or if they simply made a mistake.
Do you have to participate in a CRN evaluation and/or D&A assessment in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania DUI Law requires that every person charged with a DUI complete a CRN Evaluation and possibly a D&A assessment as well. You have no choice but to participate in and complete the evaluation(s).
How does the drug and alcohol assessment process work in Pennsylvania?
During a CRN evaluation, a certified treatment provider will review the offender’s driving record, arrest report, and whether they have any prior history of substance abuse or criminal convictions. You may also have to provide a urine sample for a drug test.
How much does a drug and alcohol assessment cost in PA?
In most cases, the court will require the offender to cover the costs of the CRN evaluation and the D&A assessment. In most counties, the cost of the CRN is added to your court costs as it is conducted by the office of Probation. However, the D&A assessment is usually conducted by a private provider. It generally costs around $100 and the offender must pay that directly to the agency performing the evaluation.
What kinds of recommendations might a substance abuse evaluator make in Pennsylvania?
If a substance abuse evaluator determines that the offender in question does not truly have a substance abuse issue, they likely will have to attend an alcohol safety school or another court-approved educational program. That said, if the evaluator does determine that the individual has a substance abuse issue, they may recommend a program such as Alcoholics Anonymous, undergo random drug or alcohol testing, or even go through an outpatient or inpatient treatment program, among other potential recommendations. If you’d like to learn more about the D & A assessment or if you have any further questions, simply speak with our dedicated legal team today.
Contact Our Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer
If you are facing a DUI charge, contact The Law Offices of George Heym to schedule your free initial consultation.
