It was a tough week for the group this past week.  Several of those in group are dealing with some personal issues (that have nothing to do with the DUIs or alcohol) and I wish them all the best.

I was reminded of the importance of counting you time "time" correctly in DUI class.  Let me explain, if you are in for the 9 month program you will have a total of 30 classes - 6 education and 24 group. If you never miss a class and take your 30 classes in a row you will be finished with the classes but you will not be deemed as to have completed the 9 month course until a full 9 months have passed.  In this example you would have approximately 9 weeks left until the full 9 months are up.  Therefore it is in your interest to be absent from some classes along the way.  The only problem is that you are fined $30 for each absence and if you have over 7 absences you will be returned to court. If you don't take any absences you will have to keep having "face to face" meetings with the instructor until your full time is up.  I think the best strategy is to miss a few classes along the way but leave yourself some safety room so you don't end up with more than 7 absences in total.