270 likes | 396 Views
Austin American Statesman August 21, 2007. Texas leads nation in number of drunken driving deaths WASHINGTON BUREAU Tuesday, August 21, 2007
E N D
Austin American StatesmanAugust 21, 2007 Texas leads nation in number of drunken driving deaths WASHINGTON BUREAUTuesday, August 21, 2007 WASHINGTON — Texas led the country in the number of drunken driving fatalities last year, statistics released Monday by the U.S. Department of Transportation show. The state had 1,354 drunken driving deaths last year, up 34 from 2005. The state tied Arizona and Kansas for largest increase in the number of fatalities; Utah, Kansas and Iowa had the largest percentage increases compared with 2005...
The Promise of DWI/Drug Courts Grant funded by TxDOT
Our Goals Today • What is a DWI/Drug Court? • Why do I care? • What can I do?
Purpose of Criminal Statutes • Protect public • Punish behavior • Prevention • Rehabilitate (change behavior)
How can we use the judicial system to effect a change in behavior? • Change is hard
“Given a choice between changing and proving that it is not necessary, most people get busy with the proof.” John Galbraith
Stages of Change Precontemplation Contemplation Preparation Action Maintenance (Relapse) ( Prochaska, Norcross and DiClemente’s Changing for Good, 1994)
“Motivation should not be thought of as a personality problem. Rather, motivation is a state of readiness to change, which may fluctuate from one time or situation to another. This state is one that can be influenced.”Miller & Rollnick, 1991
“Creative” Sentencing • Yoga • Tai Chi • Writing “I will not do stupid things” 2500 times • Dressing up like victim (in a dress) and being forced to walk around downtown • Jogging for an hour for trying to run from police • Listening to music or reading • Carrying a photograph of the victim in wallet USA Today, February 23, 2004
How Do We Protect Our Communities? Punishment or Rehabilitation
What if we JUST Put Them in PRISON? Criminal Recidivism in 3 Years • 68% arrested for new crime • 47% convicted of new crime • 25% incarcerated for new crime • 50% re-incarcerated for violations Relapse to Substance Abuse in 3 Years • 95% relapse (TRI, 2002)
What if we JUST Refer Them to TREATMENT? Attrition • 50% to 67% don’t show for intake • 40% to 80% drop out in 3 months • 90% drop out in 12 months Outcomes 40% to 60% of clients abstinent at 1 year Again, 95% relapse rate (TRI, 2003)
The answer is… • Drug Courts • DWI Courts • Problem Solving Courts • Mental Health • CPS • Juvenile
“DWI Court” means the creation of a specific docket for repeat offenders who report to the Court on a regular basis (initially weekly) with their probation officer and treatment counselor for a Court supervised status hearing.
In 1989, the first drug court began in Miami, Florida. In 1994, 12 drug courts existed. Today, over 1,500 drug courts exist in the United States. With many more abroad.
Key Elements • Early screening and assessment • Frequent, random drug and alcohol testing • Constant Court and probation supervision • Individual and group therapy • Financial accountability to Court and others • System of immediate sanctions and incentives • Graduated levels
Why is Screening and Assessment so important? Drivers with a BAC of .15 or above are ____ times more likely to be involved in a crash.
Does it work? Nationwide recidivism studies in New Mexico, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, etc. consistently show recidivism for addicted alcoholics and drug addicts is reduced by ________%
Approved MADD Resolution “MADD supports the use of post-adjudication DUI/DWI courts that employ the strategies of close supervision, frequent alcohol and other drug testing, and ongoing judicial interaction to integrate alcohol and other drug treatment services with the justice system. MADD recommends that DUI/DWI courts should not be used to avoid a record of conviction and/or license sanctions.” MADD National Board of Directors
Other Resolutions Passed The National District Attorneys Association The National Sheriffs Association International Association of Chiefs of Police The National Association of County Organizations
How will this help your community? • Cost/effectiveness study for Dallas County showed $9.43 taxpayer dollars saved for every dollar spent on the program
For More Information… Judge David L. Hodges Texas Judicial Liaison Texas Center for the Judiciary (800) 252-9232 mobile- (254) 744-1115 dhodges@yourhonor.com