What to Look for in an Alcohol and Drug Assessment Agency in a DUI Case
If you have been arrested for a DUI then one of the things you should immediately do is contact an alcohol and drug assessment agency for an evaluation.
Most likely this will be a requirement ordered by the Court so it is always a good idea to get it done ahead of time.
However if you have never been arrested for a DUI before, and you have never been in trouble with the law then you probably don't know where to turn for this type of assessment.
When considering an agency to conduct a chemical dependency assessment there are several things you should look for.
First the agency needs to be state certified.
Like most businesses there are some that follow the rules and some that do not.
Most Courts understand this and that is why they requirement an assessment from a State Certified Treatment center.
This means it has been approved by the State and has passed all requirements to become a certified alcohol and drug treatment provider.
Secondly when looking for an assessment it is sometimes best to find an agency that does not profit off of the treatment.
In other words there are some businesses out there that will do both the initial assessment and any follow up treatment.
Common sense tells you that that agency may have a financial interest in recommending unneeded treatment to an individual just so they can profit off of it.
That is why sometimes it is best to go to an agency that only does assessments.
That way you know it is completely fair and impartial.
Lastly consider the cost.
Like many things in life the quality ranges from good to bad.
Usually the lowest bid will probably not do the best job.
But at the same time usually the most expensive is not the best either.
It is best to speak to several difference agencies.
Get a feel for their qualifications and the cost.
Pick the one you feel comfortable with and the one that fits your budget.
Like all professions there are good businesses and bad ones.
Alcohol and drug treatment centers are no difference.
If you have no idea where to begin it is always best to get a referral or recommendation from a defense attorney.
However if you do decide to go at this alone, make sure to keep those three items in mind when deciding where to get the assessment at.
Most likely this will be a requirement ordered by the Court so it is always a good idea to get it done ahead of time.
However if you have never been arrested for a DUI before, and you have never been in trouble with the law then you probably don't know where to turn for this type of assessment.
When considering an agency to conduct a chemical dependency assessment there are several things you should look for.
First the agency needs to be state certified.
Like most businesses there are some that follow the rules and some that do not.
Most Courts understand this and that is why they requirement an assessment from a State Certified Treatment center.
This means it has been approved by the State and has passed all requirements to become a certified alcohol and drug treatment provider.
Secondly when looking for an assessment it is sometimes best to find an agency that does not profit off of the treatment.
In other words there are some businesses out there that will do both the initial assessment and any follow up treatment.
Common sense tells you that that agency may have a financial interest in recommending unneeded treatment to an individual just so they can profit off of it.
That is why sometimes it is best to go to an agency that only does assessments.
That way you know it is completely fair and impartial.
Lastly consider the cost.
Like many things in life the quality ranges from good to bad.
Usually the lowest bid will probably not do the best job.
But at the same time usually the most expensive is not the best either.
It is best to speak to several difference agencies.
Get a feel for their qualifications and the cost.
Pick the one you feel comfortable with and the one that fits your budget.
Like all professions there are good businesses and bad ones.
Alcohol and drug treatment centers are no difference.
If you have no idea where to begin it is always best to get a referral or recommendation from a defense attorney.
However if you do decide to go at this alone, make sure to keep those three items in mind when deciding where to get the assessment at.
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