Proper or improper: Recommending a specific driving safety school to a defendant.

• A. Proper
• B. Not allowed in all cases
• C. Depends on circumstances
• D. Improper

Answer: (D)

The key idea is neutrality when guiding a defendant about a driving safety course. A court or judge may inform a defendant that attending a driving safety course is an available option and that the course must be DPS-approved, but they should not promote or single out a specific driving safety school. Recommending one particular provider can create the appearance of favoritism or influence, which undermines the defendant’s right to choose freely and can raise ethical concerns about the court’s impartiality. The defendant should be free to select any DPS-approved driving safety course, and the court’s role is to provide general information and the steps to enroll, not to endorse a private business.