“Fairfield Behavioral Health Services is grateful for the new DUI bill that stiffens enforcement laws, toughens penalties, and mandates treatment,” says Executive Director, Vernon Kennedy Sr.

This new law became effective February 10, 2009 at 12:00 noon after being introduced 2 years ago by Representative Jim Harrison and tireless efforts of Behavioral Health Services Association in drafting the necessary referrals forms and providing training to court administration on the procedures.

Behavioral Health Services Association is an association of the local substance abuse authorities, which was established to represent and support member agencies in the provision of quality behavioral health services in South Carolina.

Thanks to the new DUI law, treatment is now mandated for all offenses and will no longer be tied to an individual’s desire to be re-licensed to drive in the State of South Carolina.

Upon conviction, the magistrate courts will refer individuals to Fairfield Behavioral Health Services for Treatment. The court will be notified whether an offender failed to enroll in a certified Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) within 30 days of conviction or failed to participate in the plan of education or treatment. The court may hold the individual in contempt of court if the individual cannot show cause as to why no enrollment occurred within the 30 days or why no progress had been made in the plan of education or treatment.

An assessment will be conducted on each individual to determine the level of care needed which will result in individual costs ranging from $500-$2500 in addition to court-ordered fines. Yes it is true that people who drink and drive are behaving irresponsibly which often can be corrected with educational interventions like Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program.

However, there are many other people who have a serious problem with drinking alcohol to the point of addiction that in addition to educational interventions require behavioral, cognitive, and/or medical therapies.

Kennedy adds, “This new DUI law as well as others like the prevention of underage drinking and tobacco laws passed within the last two years most importantly saves lives. Fairfield Behavioral Health Services is in the business of saving lives because we believe that Prevention is Effective! Treatment Works! Recovery Happens!”

For more information about the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program or any of our court ordered programs please contact us at 635-2335.