Driving With Care in Ramsey County: What You Need to Know
If you are charged with a DWI anywhere in Ramsey County, you may be ordered by the court or your probation officer to complete a program called Driving With Care™. According to the Court, this program is specifically designed to address impaired driving behavior and is pretty accessible. You can contact the Ramsey County program directly at 651-829-2880.
At Jack Rice Defense, we know how overwhelming the DWI process can feel. Understanding programs like Driving With Care may be one of multiple parts of preparing your defense and protecting your future. If you are facing DWI charges in St. Paul, Maplewood, Roseville or anywhere else in Ramsey County, contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
“You should be able to take this class online which may be helpful.”
What Is Driving With Care?
Driving With Care™ is an education and treatment program originally developed by researchers in Colorado. It focuses on identifying and correcting the thought patterns that lead to impaired driving. According to the program, people who take the class look at their choices and develop strategies to avoid driving under the influence in the future.
In Ramsey County, including Little Canada, White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights, Shoreview, if you are convicted of a DWI, you will first be required to complete a chemical dependency evaluation. From there, courts frequently mandate either Level 1 or Level 2 Driving With Care classes. These programs go beyond a simple one-day DWI education class. Judges and probation officers increasingly view Driving With Care as a proven and effective program that reduces the chances of reoffending. In a future article, we will dig a little deeper into both Level 1 and Level 2 Driving with Care programs.
How Does the Program Work?
Driving With Care is offered in both in-person sessions in Ramsey County and through secure online video conferencing (telehealth). The program is designed with flexibility in mind, making it more manageable for people who are working or balancing family obligations.
The length and intensity of the program will depend on your situation and whether the court requires Level 1 or Level 2 education. Successful completion is often necessary for probation compliance, license reinstatement, and moving forward after a DWI conviction.
Why It Matters for Your Case
Participating in Driving With Care may be a court-ordered requirement, but it can also demonstrate responsibility and good faith in addressing the issues surrounding a DWI charge. Showing the court that you are proactive in completing recommended education can sometimes impact sentencing and probation outcomes.
At the same time, it’s important to remember that taking the class does not replace building a strong defense. A DWI conviction carries serious penalties—fines, jail time, and license consequences—that require experienced legal representation. If you are charged, contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confiderntial consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
“We have been defending clients’ rights here in Ramsey County since the 1990s.”
Jack Rice Defense: Protecting Your Rights in Ramsey County since before the Turn of the Century
At Jack Rice Defense, we represent people charged with DWI throughout Ramsey County, including St. Paul, Roseville, Maplewood, Little Canada, and beyond. Jack Rice is a former prosecutor, a nationally recognized trial lawyer, and consistently named a Super Lawyer and one of the Best Lawyers in Minnesota. He has spent decades fighting for clients in some of the toughest criminal cases.
If you are facing DWI charges in Ramsey County, don’t face them alone. Call Jack Rice Defense today for a free and confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
