Palmer Drug Abuse Program (PDAP) will now be offering State approved DWI classes certified by Texas Department of State Health Services. This class is a requirement in Texas for any person convicted of a first offense DWI and can also be taken pre-trial. For some, it can be taken for the purpose of obtaining a suspended driver’s license. Upon completion of the course, the participant is presented with a Texas State issued numbered certificate.

   Derek French, PDAP Counselor and instructor for the new course, warned “Even on a first offense, the cost of a DWI is outrageous. Lots of us think it’s just a night in jail and a small fine but in reality when you total everything up, the cost is at minimum about $9,000.00!” 

  Driving While Under the Influence (DWI) is the driving or operating any motor vehicle or common carrier while under the influence of liquor or narcotics. In 2008, the City of McAllen’s Police Department recorded 1006 DWI arrests. Of those arrests, 826 were males between the ages of 20-24. 

   Myssie Cardenas-Barajas, Executive Director of Palmer Drug Abuse Program, was enthusiastic about the new class that was available. She stated, “For over twenty years Palmer Drug Abuse Program has helped thousands of local citizens address their substance abuse and addiction issues. By incorporating DWI classes into our existing programs, it gives PDAP a chance to reach out to the first time offenders before they could possibly become habitual offenders. We are very excited about this. It is a huge step towards prevention.”

   Classes are scheduled each month at PDAP located at 115 N. 9^th Street in McAllen.  The cost to enroll is $65.00 and the participants must register prior to class offerings. For more information, contact the PDAP offices at (956) 687-7714.