Charged with a DWI in North Carolina? Here’s what ADETS means for you.
If you have been charged with a DWI in North Carolina, one of the first terms you may hear about during DWI treatment is “ADETS.” Short for Alcohol Drug Education Traffic School, ADETS is a state-approved 16-hour education program designed for individuals who need to meet North Carolina’s requirements following a DWI charge.
The curriculum used in North Carolina ADETS programs is called Prime For Life, an evidence-based modality focused on alcohol and substance use prevention. Rather than approaching treatment from a punitive perspective, Prime For Life is designed to help participants better understand the risks associated with substance use, recognize patterns of high-risk decision-making, and develop practical strategies to avoid future problems.
One of the most unique aspects of ADETS is the regulations imposed by North Carolina. Unlike many short-term treatment or education programs, ADETS has a state-mandated price cap. Licensed providers may charge no more than $160 for the course itself and $25 for the required workbook, bringing the total cost to $185 for the full 16-hour program.
When compared to many other substance use education or treatment services, ADETS remains one of the most affordable and accessible options available. More importantly, the curriculum itself offers valuable insight and prevention tools that can benefit a wide range of people—not just those facing a DWI charge.
It is important to remember, however, that not everyone qualifies for ADETS. In North Carolina, ADETS is intended specifically for individuals charged with a DWI who do not meet the diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder under DSM-5 guidelines. While participants may still be considered at risk for developing a substance use disorder, they are not currently diagnosed with one. ADETS serves as an early intervention program designed to address risky behaviors before they develop into more serious concerns.
Unfortunately, despite the importance of ADETS, access to these services can be limited across North Carolina. Because of the state-imposed pricing restrictions, many providers choose not to offer ADETS programs or refer eligible individuals elsewhere. As a result, many North Carolina residents struggle to find timely access to the services they need in order to complete requirements for license reinstatement.
This gap in care was one of the reasons RecovrHub DWI Services was created.
At RecovrHub, we believe access to evidence-based education and support should not depend on where someone lives. Our virtual platform allows individuals throughout North Carolina to complete ADETS in a convenient, accessible, and professional environment. By offering ADETS on a monthly basis, we help community members move through the license reinstatement process more efficiently while ensuring they receive high-quality education and support.
If your organization works with individuals navigating DWI-related requirements, RecovrHub is available to help. We partner with medical providers, legal professionals, community organizations, and support programs across North Carolina to improve access to ADETS and alcohol treatment services for clients in need. To learn more about our services or discuss how RecovrHub can support your organization, contact us at 252-320-9457 or email info@recovrhub.com.
How long will I lose my license after a DWI in North Carolina?
One of the first, and most common questions, that we get here at RecovrHub is “How long will I lose my license if I am convicted of my North Carolina DWI?” While at RecovrHub we focus on individual growth, Substance Use education and mitigating high risk choices associated with stress, we would be remiss if we did not work to help provide education to our clients to resolve this stress. We believe that providing tools to navigate life’s most pressing problems is a great start on the journey of self discovery.
So let’s break down this question into two smaller parts:
How long will I lose my license?
While this question is dependant on the individual and their previous history, we can normally answer this question by grouping DWI related suspensions into categories by looking at N.C.G.S. 20-16.5. For all DWI’s, immediatly following the initial charge, you will lose your license for 30 days. During this 30 day pre-trial suspension, client’s may apply for a pre-trial privilege, reducing the time of pre-trial suspension to 10 days, normally with the assistance of legal representation. After this pre-trial suspension, provided you have fulfilled all requirements such as obtaining a DWI assessment, client’s licenses become active.
The extended license suspension does not occur until after conviction. This is where things get complicated. The amount of time that a client loses their license is dependent on how many DWI convictions they have had prior to the most recent one. For the sake of simplicity, we have broken this down into four groups:
1st DWI conviction in the last 7 years: 1 year license suspension
2nd DWI conviction in the last 3 years: 4 year license suspension (Eligible for NCDMV hearing in 2 years)*
2nd DWI conviction in the last 3-7 years: 1 year license suspension
3rd DWI conviction in the last 10 years: Permenant revocation (Eligible for a NCDMV hearing in 4 years)*
While these license suspension times can seem staggering, it is important to remember that you may be eligable for a limited driving privilege (LDP) during the time of NCDMV license suspension. Ask your legal representation for more information about limited driving privleges if you have not done so already.
Now for the final step in our 2 part question:
Will I be convicted?
Anyone charged with a DWI in North Carolina will face a pre-trial license suspension, but you will only have the post-trial license suspension if you are convicted. Unfortunately, here at RecovrHub, we cannot tell you if you will be convicted or not. This is between you and your legal team. What we can do however, is walk with you every step of the way during the treatment process. We have helped thousands of client’s navigate the DWI landscape and the one certainty that we have found is the journey is easier when walking hand in hand with another person.
*To apply for a NCDMV hearing please visit https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/administrative-hearings/Pages/default.aspx
This article does not constitute legal advice. Always seek the counsel of a licensed attorney.