Although drunk driving rates have decreased over the past decade, drunk driving recidivism remains a serious problem. Strategies that have improved drunk driving behavior in general have failed to impact the chronic drunk driver. Approximately one-third of Michigan and national drunk drivers are repeat offenders who tend to drive with a high blood alcohol content (BAC). These drivers are 200 times more likely to kill on the road than the average non-drinking driver. This study examined standard practices, perceived barriers, and factors influencing sentencing decisions. Surveys were distributed statewide to all district and circuit court judges as well as to a sample of district and circuit court probation officers. An overall response rate of 68.6 percent was achieved representing 96 percent of district courts and 94.7 percent of circuit courts. Findings indicate that first time offenders are sentenced differently than repeat offenders. Repeat offenders tend to receive license suspension, probation, fines, and outpatient treatment or counseling. Perceived barriers to addressing recidivism were more commonly linked to the offender than to inadequate community resources. Judges and probation officers tended to regard prior drunk driving offenses, driving records, severity of damages or injuries, and BAC when making sentencing decisions. Implications and future directions for the reduction of drunk driving recidivism are discussed.
Learning Objectives: The learner will be able to: 1. articulate the severity of the repeat drunk driver problem in Michigan and the US. 2. list the standard sentencing practices for repeat drunk driving offenders in Michigan. 3. list the percieved barriers to more effective sanctions for repeat offender in Michigan. 4. list the factors that influence sentencing decisions and recommendations for repeat drunk drivers. 5. identify and discuss future direction and implications for more effective treatment and sanctions of chronic drunk drivers
Keywords: DUI,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.