As we mentioned in yesterday’s blog post, 41 percent of people who were booked for DWI in 2015 had at least one previous drunk driving conviction on their record. This means these repeat offenders have failed to learn from their previous mistakes and are now facing even more serious consequences. In an effort to help individuals learn from their actions and prevent repeat offenses, Minnesota has added more DUI courts to the legal system.
What Is DUI Court?
DUI court in Minnesota is an option for repeat DWI offenders who want to commit to a sober and crime-free lifestyle instead of being sentenced to a more traditional criminal probation. The 18-month program involves a number of different aspects designed to help people avoid some of the problems that can be caused by alcohol. During the program, a participant will:
- Make regular appearances before a designated DWI court judge.
- Receive regular visits at home from law enforcement and probation officials.
- Be placed on a curfew.
- Receive alcohol treatment.
- Be tested for alcohol and drugs.
- Attend community self-help support and sponsorship meetings.
- Have their vehicle outfitted with an ignition interlock device.
Many individuals who partake in the program say that it’s less intense than standard probation rules, but there’s still very little room for error. Individuals who fail a test for alcohol or drugs are sent to jail, as it is a zero tolerance program.
“DWI Court embraces a holistic approach to working with offenders and offers a path to sobriety, including the physical, mental and emotional aspects of the person,” said Judge Marta Chou, who serves in the Hennepin County DWI Courts. “The result is offenders are changed for the better, our roads are safer and lives are saved. We offer an alternative path to change and save lives.”
Are DUI Courts Effective?
Proponents of DUI court will tell you that they are effective, and the statistics appear to back up that notion. According to a recent evaluation, research suggests the Minnesota DUI courts and the program has reduced recidivism by up to 69 percent. Moreover, participant completion rates in Minnesota were well above the national average.
The arrest numbers have also dropped of late. Here’s a look at the yearly DWI rates for the last 10 years.
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23,392 | 25,336 | 25,399 | 26,026 | 28,656 | 29,483 | 30,088 | 32,994 | 35,864 | 38,763 |
Traffic fatalities involving drunk drivers have also tapered off lately. There were 95 drunk driving-related fatalities in 2015, but that fell to 73 in 2016. That’s still too high, but it’s moving in the right direction.
If you’d like to learn more about DWI court, or if you have a question about your DUI case, reach out to the experienced lawyers at Appelman Law Firm today.
