Transcript DWI/DUI Courts - National Center for State Courts


First drug court opened in Miami-Dade, FL in 1989

Goal is to reduce recidivism by using graduated
sanctions and incentives combined with treatment
and services

Drug courts involve a judge working with a
community team (typically the prosecutor, defense
attorney, probation, law enforcement, and
treatment providers) to develop a case plan and
to closely monitor a defendant’s compliance with
this plan

DWI/DUI courts developed out of the drug
court model
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Key difference between drug courts and
DUI/DWI courts - Due to public safety
concerns, DWI courts cannot allow the same
leeway for backsliding that drug courts can

DWI courts can use sanctions and rewards to
address the addiction, but not to address the
behavior of driving while impaired

651 DWI courts as of June 2013

DWI Court is meant for hardcore drivers as
opposed to first time offenders
› Hardcore DWI offenders are typically defined as
having a BAC of .15 and/or one or more prior
convictions for DWI

While DWI courts have not been evaluated as
thoroughly as drug courts, current evaluations
indicate that when the ten key components are
followed and evidence-based treatment is
utilized following an appropriate clinical
evaluation, outcomes are positive

#1: Determine the Population

#2: Perform a Clinical Assessment
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#3: Develop the Treatment Plan
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#4: Supervise the Offender

#5: Forge Agency, Organization, and
Community Partnerships

#6: Take a Judicial Leadership Role

#7: Develop Case Management
Strategies

#8: Address Transportation Issues

#9: Evaluate the Program
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#10: Ensure a Sustainable Program

Started in 2008

DWI Academy Courts provide guidance and training
to judges and court staff from other states within their
region on policies and procedures for effective DUI
court practices

2014 DWI Academy Courts:
• Athens Clarke County DWI Court (Athens, GA)
• Harbor Justice Center in Orange County (Newport Beach,
CA)
• DWI Drug Court Intervention and Treatment Program (El
Paso, TX)
• Hennepin County DWI Court of the 4th Judicial District
(Hennepin County, MN)